Written by: Pratik | The GeoLens
We cannot bring back those who left us in an unfortunate event, but definitely prevent such mishaps in coming future.
Introduction
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck Indian skies when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Bound for London Heathrow, the aircraft plunged into a residential building near B.J. Medical College, leading to the deaths of 241 people onboard and several civilians on the ground. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.
While one British passenger miraculously survived, the rest of the flight ended in devastation. The incident has prompted a nationwide debate about aviation safety, pilot training, air traffic control (ATC) efficiency, and urban planning near major airports.
What Went Wrong: A Technical & Human Breakdown
1. Landing Gear Not Retracted
One of the earliest findings from the black box reveals that the aircraft’s landing gear remained deployed even minutes into the flight. In modern jets, failing to retract landing gear after takeoff results in increased aerodynamic drag, which severely affects fuel efficiency and the aircraft's ability to climb. This technical oversight may have significantly contributed to the crash.
2. Possible Bird Strike or Technical Malfunction
Unverified reports from radar and airport control suggest a possible bird strike within the first 45 seconds after takeoff. If accurate, this could explain pilot distraction or damage to critical components, triggering an emergency situation. The landing gear retraction may have been intentionally delayed to manage other cockpit priorities.
3. Pilot Workload and Emergency Handling
Sources familiar with cockpit voice recordings mention confusion and a possible struggle to manage simultaneous alarms. Crew resource management (CRM) and training are under scrutiny. Was the cockpit crew adequately trained for complex emergency scenarios involving multiple simultaneous failures?
4. Proximity to Residential Zones
The crash occurred just 2.7 kilometers from the runway, impacting a residential block housing students and medical professionals. Urban expansion around airports has often been overlooked. This tragedy brings renewed focus on airport buffer zones and no-construction zones near flight paths.
Immediate Response
Search & Rescue: Emergency services were on-site within 12 minutes. Over 500 rescue personnel worked for more than 36 hours to recover bodies and extinguish fires.
DNA Identification: Due to extensive burns, most victims were identified through DNA. The government has promised expedited assistance for families.
Black Box Recovery: Both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were recovered and sent for analysis to the US NTSB and Boeing.
Areas of Urgent Reform
A. Air Crew Training Reforms
Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have been urged to revamp emergency training modules, including better simulation of real-world emergencies and multi-tasking under pressure.
B. Urban Planning and Zoning Laws
This incident highlights the urgent need to limit urban sprawl around airports. Many international cities maintain open buffer zones, while Indian cities often ignore aviation corridor guidelines.
C. Maintenance and Pre-Flight Checks
Aircraft maintenance logs are under review. There’s growing demand for digitally-verified checklists and AI-based systems to catch overlooked faults like landing gear malfunctions.
D. ATC Communication Review
Air Traffic Control (ATC) communication records suggest that the pilots may have tried to circle back to the airport. Was enough support provided from the ground? Were emergency protocols followed?
Why This Tragedy Matters
National Security and Infrastructure: Such crashes damage global reputation and raise concerns about the safety of India's aviation network.
For Defense and Civil Aspirants: This incident is a case study in real-time decision making, system failure, and emergency response.
Global Aviation Safety: With Boeing, GE, and international regulators involved, changes might affect global Dreamliner operations.
What to Expect Ahead
Preliminary findings expected in 3–4 months; final reports may take 12–18 months.
Families may file class-action lawsuits; public interest litigation already filed in Gujarat High Court.
Possible upgrades to flight simulators and mandatory refreshers for senior pilots.
Talks of installing crash-resistant beacons in residential areas near airports.
Final Conclusion: Lessons to Remember
This tragedy wasn’t just an aviation failure — it was a systems failure involving human error, technical oversight, and poor infrastructure planning. Every stakeholder — from airline management to urban developers — bears a share of responsibility.
Aviation safety must go beyond machines and manuals. It’s about people, preparation, and policy.
Let’s remember the lives lost — not just with sympathy, but with action.
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