Aviation authorities have launched a series of high-level investigations into the crash of Air India flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London and crashed shortly after takeoff. The crash claimed over 100 lives, with many others injured, triggering a swift response from the central and state governments.
Immediate Government Action:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met injured survivors and grieving families. He also chaired a high-level meeting at the airport to oversee rescue and relief efforts.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the site soon after the incident and directed central agencies to provide full support.
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Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and MoS Murlidhar Mohol met with victims’ families and emergency personnel, later holding review meetings with officials from both the Centre and Gujarat.
📞 Helplines Activated for Families:
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Ahmedabad Airport Emergency Helpline: 9974111327
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Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA): 011-24610843 / 9650391859
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Air India Passenger Helpline: 1800-5691-444
Officials from MoCA, DGCA, AAIB, AAI, and BCAS were deployed to oversee rescue operations.
Crash Investigation Underway:
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) began its formal probe on the day of the crash. A five-member Go Team, led by the AAIB Director General, was dispatched and later joined by forensic and medical experts.
A crucial breakthrough occurred on June 13, when the aircraft’s black box was recovered around 5 PM. Decoding is expected to reveal what happened during the final seconds of the flight.
What Went Wrong: No Thrust After Takeoff
Preliminary findings suggest the crash was caused by thrust failure—the plane was unable to gain the required power to lift off. Shortly after takeoff, pilot Sumit Sabharwal issued a Mayday call at 650 feet altitude, stating:
“No thrust… Losing power… Unable to lift…”
This distress call lasted around 15 seconds, after which communication ceased, indicating the crash occurred within 40 seconds of takeoff.
Understanding Thrust Failure:
Thrust is the engine power that allows an aircraft to take off and stay airborne. A failure here is comparable to a bike losing acceleration. The following could have contributed:
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Engine malfunction:
Issues like turbine blade damage or fuel supply interruption can reduce thrust. -
Fuel quality or delivery failure:
Poor-grade fuel or pipeline blockages could hinder engine performance. -
Control system faults:
Modern jets rely on electronic thrust control systems. Sensor or software failures may prevent engines from responding. -
Weather conditions:
Thin air at altitude or extreme temperatures can reduce thrust efficiency.
High-Level Committee Formed:
A multi-agency committee, led by the Union Home Secretary, will conduct a comprehensive, independent inquiry. It includes officials from:
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Ministry of Civil Aviation
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Ministry of Home Affairs
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Government of Gujarat
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DGCA, BCAS, Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau
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State Disaster Response Authority
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National and state forensic experts
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu stated that structural reforms in aviation safety would follow the inquiry. No early warning signs were flagged, and the sudden loss of power has raised critical questions about safety systems and checks.
