What Could Have Caused the Deadly Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash?

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad, on its way to London. At least 290 people, including 241 aboard, in the deadly plane crash.

What happened

The aircraft took off from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 1:38 PM IST. Shortly after, the pilots sent a “MAYDAY” distress call and communication with Air Traffic Control stopped. The plane failed to gain height properly, struggled in the air, and crashed within minutes into the medical college hostel near the airport perimeter.

Possible reasons

• Technical or hydraulic failure may have played a role. Videos show the plane’s flaps and slats (which create lift) weren’t fully extended, and the landing gear stayed down, both of which could have prevented the plane from climbing.
• There were also concerns about the Dreamliner’s history of technical issues, though investigators stress it's too early to conclude anything.
• Other early theories include: bird strike, pilot error, overloaded weight, and high afternoon temperatures affecting lift.

While these are early suspicions, the final cause will be confirmed after full analysis of the black boxes and investigations.