Investigators examining the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 are focusing on whether the aircraft was overloaded and whether its pilots were adequately trained, as black box data begins to provide new insights into the disaster.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 279 people—241 passengers and crew, and 29 individuals on the ground.
British citizen Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was the sole survivor. His brother also died in the crash.
Authorities from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, in collaboration with the UK, U.S., and Boeing officials, have recovered and begun analysing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—collectively known as black boxes.
Aviation expert and former pilot Amit Singh said these devices are key to reconstructing the crash, offering data on engine performance, flight controls, pilot communications, alarms, and mayday signals.
“The data will reveal everything,” Singh said.
India’s aviation regulator confirmed that the pilots—Captains Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder—issued a mayday call before the crash.
Investigators are scrutinising the pilots’ training records, the aircraft’s load, engine thrust performance, and any history of mechanical issues.
Singh noted that additional evidence from CCTV and eyewitnesses will also be assessed.
The aircraft, which was 12 years old, may have lost power during the critical takeoff phase. Aviation experts suspect factors such as a sudden wind shift or bird strike could have caused a dual-engine failure.
Commercial pilot and crash analyst Steve Schreiber said footage showing deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a device used in severe emergencies—strongly suggests total power or hydraulic failure.
The crash occurred just 625 feet into ascent, as the aircraft quickly lost altitude and slammed into a building housing medical trainees. The resulting fire charred much of the aircraft, complicating the investigation.
Kalpeshbhai Patni, 28, was seen grieving at the hospital for his 14-year-old brother, Akash Patni, who died in the crash.
Authorities have launched a special high-level inquiry panel expected to submit a preliminary report in three months.
In the meantime, inspections and additional maintenance checks are underway across Air India’s entire Dreamliner fleet of 33 jets.
This crash marks the first fatal incident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in its 16 years of service. However, concerns have previously been raised about Boeing’s quality control and maintenance issues.
There were 53 British nationals, 159 Indians, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian on board the ill-fated flight.
