In a devastating air tragedy, an Air India Dreamliner flight AI171 bound for London crashed near Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar residential area just five minutes after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. According to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM and crashed shortly afterward. The onboard count included 230 adults, 2 infants, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots. The Pilot-in-Command was Sumit Sabharwal and the Co-Pilot Clive Kunder.
DGCA launched investigation into Air India Plane Crash
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a detailed investigation is underway into the crash of Air India flight AI-171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad this afternoon. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB and operating a scheduled service to London's Gatwick, crashed just outside the airport perimeter minutes after departure.
"There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated," said a DGCA spokesperson, adding that all relevant agencies are being involved in the probe.
The aircraft took off at 13.39 IST from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to officials, a Mayday call was issued moments after liftoff, but no further communication was received from the cockpit. The flight was being operated by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a long-time Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
According to information, the DGCA officials are on site collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Sources said that Boeing representatives and officials are also expected to assist the ground staff.
This is one of the most serious aviation incidents in India in recent years involving a wide-body aircraft. Authorities have not yet released information about casualties or survivors.
While speculation around the cause ranges from possible engine failure to flight control malfunction, officials have urged restraint until official findings emerge. The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised urgent questions about aircraft safety and maintenance protocols.
In the meantime, the list of passengers who boarded the Air India flight has also been released. Check the link below