Fatal Flight: Unraveling the Mystery Behind AI171’s Catastrophic Crash

Flight AI171’s tragic end shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad has left the aviation world searching for answers. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed barely 1.5 kilometers from the runway, claiming 241 lives and causing extensive damage on the ground. This incident marks the first fatal crash of this aircraft type since it began service in 2011, drawing international attention and prompting a multi-national investigation involving India, the US, and the UK.

The plane was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar—both seasoned aviators with over 9,000 flying hours between them. According to Air India, the aircraft departed at 13:39 local time with 242 individuals on board and a full fuel load of around 100 tonnes. Just seconds after take-off, a mayday call was issued. Eyewitnesses and the sole survivor reported a loud bang and the aircraft’s struggle to ascend before it descended rapidly into a residential area.

CCTV and flight data reveal the aircraft climbed only to about 625 feet before losing altitude. BBC-verified footage shows the plane flying low over rooftops, becoming obscured by buildings and trees, then exploding in the distance. Experts say the jet was airborne for only 30 seconds. Pilots consulted by the BBC say there would have been almost no time to recover from a major system failure or dual engine loss at such a low altitude.

One major theory centers around the possibility of a rare double engine failure. While engine manufacturer GE Aerospace is aiding the probe, it has yet to find evidence supporting this scenario. Some speculate fuel contamination or clogging could have starved the engines. The idea of a Ram Air Turbine being deployed as a last-ditch backup system has been mentioned, though there is no confirmation. Such failures are exceptionally rare, with few precedents like the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson."

Bird strikes are also being investigated, especially given Ahmedabad Airport’s reputation. Aviation ministry data recorded 462 bird strikes in Gujarat over five years, with the majority at this airport. Local pilots have confirmed frequent bird activity in the area. Although bird impacts are usually manageable, simultaneous ingestion by both engines could cause total power loss. Experts cited South Korea’s Jeju Air crash as a grim example of what can happen when a bird strike disables an aircraft.

Another contributing factor could be improper flap settings. Flaps help aircraft generate lift at lower speeds, and failing to deploy them during take-off can be disastrous. High temperatures on the day—around 40°C—would have required higher flap extension and engine thrust. Though the Boeing 787 has a Configuration Warning System to detect improper take-off settings, such alarms can fail or be overlooked. Human error remains a potential element in this aviation tragedy.

Despite the many theories, analysts stress the importance of withholding judgment until the black box data is reviewed and debris examined. Marco Chan, an ex-pilot, believes the footage available is too distorted to confirm a flap issue or engine malfunction. The aircraft’s brief flight time and rapid descent have left few clues. The investigation will take time, but its findings could reshape safety protocols, training standards, and maintenance checks for years to come.