Unfolding of the Cataclysmic Airplane Crash: A Nation in Shock as Dreamliner Turns into a Descending Horror

Young medical students, engrossed in the routine normalcy of their demanding schedule, were having lunch, completely unaware that within seconds, the order anchoring their world would dissolve into irreversible chaos as a passenger aircraft disintegrated through the ceiling of their hostel, ending lives not yet fully lived. On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after its take-off, collapsing onto the B.J. Medical College hostel, thereby leaving over 200 souls perished, including five students of the hostel on the ground. This report engages with available data—aircraft integrity, operational protocols, and systemic oversight—while recognizing the broader existential truth: that life, however structured, remains vulnerable to collapse when complexity fails silently.

While news outlets conduct TV debates trying to unravel the exact details of the airplane crash and social media netizens forge their own tales of narratives —covering everything from mechanical engine failures and serious miscalculations by Air India employees, inefficiency of pilot and the alleged negligence in the aircraft’s construction to more mysterious or conspiratorial geopolitical factors, the incontrovertible fact of the magnitude of the loss is undeniable. Although no conclusive data has yet been emerged to pinpoint the sole responsibility of the crash which claimed so many innocent lives, this report aims to follow the path of this tragedy, address the emotional turmoil that ensues, and acknowledge the unsettling reality that, even in a world that seems orderly and predictable, uncertain chaos can strike any moment.

Introduction: A fragile order of the Skies -

On June 12, 2025, around 1:38 PM IST, Air India Flight 171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, considered to be one of the safest airplanes on a long-haul route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick—unexpectedly collapsed within a few seconds of its take-off. This incident marked one of the deadliest aviation catastrophes in recent Indian history, being the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. The flight was carrying 242 passengers–169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian, and 11 children, along with 12 senior crew members when it lost altitude, issued a distress signal, and plunged upon the B.J. Medical College doctors’ hostel, where a group of medical students had gathered for lunch. Since the plane was just taking off for its journey, the fuel tank was full and was carrying almost 1,25,000 litres of fuel. The conclusive reason for the horrific scale of the crash that resulted in at least 241 confirmed deaths, who were on board, leaving the nation in mourning and garnering global concerns regarding aviation safety, has not been established yet. More than 70 people also died at the medical college, including at least 5 medical students and many PG residents. Many have claimed it could be due to a flap system failure, a landing gear issue, or even errors by the pilots. However, eyewitnesses have shared that the aircraft was on fire before it collapsed, which raises concerns about possible structural or mechanical failures while in the air.

Among the passengers onboard the plane were several VIPs and notable business figures, including a former Chief Minister of Gujarat, a senior NRI diplomat, and two delegates from the global medical research community, although their identities are still being verified. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all shared their heartfelt condolences, urging for complete accountability and a rigorous investigation.

As investigations continue, attention has naturally shifted to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner itself. This aircraft, known for its advanced technology and solid safety record, has recently found itself in the hall of obloquy and controversy. Over the past year, Boeing has faced increased regulatory scrutiny due to a series of aggravating technical issues, production defects, and whistle-blower claims involving various aircraft models, including the 737 MAX and the 787 series. This report aims to explore the Flight 171 crash from multiple aspects. It will present the facts surrounding the incident, delve into the structural and procedural questions that arise from the wreckage, and place this tragedy within the larger context of safety oversight challenges in global aviation. Ultimately, the incident advances the harsh truth that even the most meticulously engineered systems can fail under unexpected pressures.

Reactions and Afterwards:

After the most tragic incident in the airline history of India, Tata Group - the parent company of Air India announced Rs. 1 crore as compensation to the family of each person who lost their life in this tragedy and will cover all the medical expenses of injured persons. The group also announced its intention to provide support in rebuilding the hostel where the flight crashed.

Sole Survivor of the crash :

Initially, it was declared that all the passengers lost their lives. However, a British citizen of Indian ethnicity, Vishwashkumar Ramesh from Leicester, seated on seat 11 A, was declared the sole survivor among the passengers on board. Many media houses reported that he opened the emergency exit and jumped as the plane was descending. He was immediately shifted to the nearest hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

Relief flights arranged by Air India :

Later, Air India arranged two relief flights - one each from Mumbai and Delhi to Ahmedabad for the next of kin of passengers and crew members of the flight, so that they could reach Ahmedabad. All the flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad, were cancelled until further notice.

Indian Medical Association expresses condolences:

Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed deep sorrow over the incident and requested all the members of the IMA Gujarat branch to visit the BJ Medical College and volunteer. IMA, through their social media, requested all the doctors, volunteers, and blood donors to visit the hospital and volunteer for the cause.

Civil Aviation Minister's visit :

Following the incident, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited the crash site and said an investigation has been initiated to determine the root cause of the crash. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that about 1000 DNA tests will be carried out to identify the body of the deceased. He further said, the process of collecting DNA from the family members of passengers has been completed. At around 9 AM on Friday, PM Narendra Modi visited where the crash took place, and the injured are being treated.

Preliminary Findings from the Crash Investigation :

◇ Unusual Takeoff Configuration -

• Experts have conducted a preliminary analysis and found that Air India Flight AI171 tried to take off with a non-standard setup :

• The landing gear was still down during the takeoff roll. The flaps were adjusted, but not to the typical angle needed for a proper lift-off. These actions are not standard Protocol for a Boeing 787-8 within a typical takeoff setup.

◇ Delay in lift off -

The landing gear generally stays down only until the plane lifts off, and then it’s retracted right away to minimize the drag.

• Flap settings are essential for generating the right lift at lower speeds; miscalculations can seriously affect the takeoff performance of a flight.
• This unusual setup might have delayed the lift-off, leading to the aircraft either overrunning the runway or stalling mid-air while trying to climb, as many experts are implicating.

It is important to note that these are just expert reveals and preliminary findings that have been made public right now. To find the root cause or conclusive reason for this fatal crash, several agencies are leading a swift investigation into the matter.

◇ Ongoing Investigation & International Assistance :

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is conducting the leading investigation. Given the international aspects of the Boeing 787 aircraft and its parts, several major global aviation organizations are lending their support, such as:

1. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), USA
2. UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)
3. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), USA
4. Boeing, the maker of the 787 Dreamliner
5. GE Aerospace, which manufactured the engines for the aircraft.

All these agencies are mainly concentrating on:

• Piecing together the aircraft’s last moments using flight data
• Reviewing maintenance records, crew qualifications, and air traffic control communications.
• Figuring out if a mechanical failure, human error, or a systems malfunction played a key role in the crash.

◇ Black Box Recovered :

A “black box” is a term used to describe two essential flight recorders found in commercial airplanes: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which keeps track of important flight details like altitude, speed, and engine settings, and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which records conversations among the crew and sounds from the cockpit. These devices play a crucial role in piecing together what happened before a crash. In the aftermath of the Gujarat plane crash involving Air India Flight AI171, one of the black boxes has been found, and the same is currently under investigation —but it’s still unclear whether it’s the FDR or the CVR. The recovered device is said to be in good condition and is currently being analyzed, while the search for the second recorder is still ongoing.

Conclusion:

The recovery of the black box and the ongoing investigation might shed some light on the situation, perhaps even bring a sense of accountability. However, they can’t ease the unimaginable grief of the families who have lost their children. There’s a unique kind of heartbreak that comes when the natural order is turned upside down—when parents are left to grieve the young lives they were supposed to protect, nurture, and, in time, become the ones offering care and comfort back. This isn’t just a personal loss; it’s a tear in the very fabric of morality that gives life its meaning. In times like these, we are harshly reminded that life isn’t fair or certain, and that our systems, no matter how sophisticated, are still deeply flawed in their humanity.

Sritama Chakrabortty is a student pursuing Law from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by: Khadija Khan

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members.