Air India Flight Crash Report 2025: Latest Updates, Causes & Investigation

The air india plane crash report is among the most discussed topics in global aviation news and a key focus in the latest USA trends. The tragic crash involving Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad in June 2025 marked the deadliest aviation incident in India for decades. This article simplifies all official updates, clears up misinformation, and presents the latest findings from the air india crash report—vital for readers, travelers, and aviation watchers everywhere.

air india flight crash report

What Happened in the Air India Plane Crash?

The air india plane crash of Flight 171 took place on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. The aircraft was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick. There were 230 passengers on board, accompanied by 12 crew members. Just 40 seconds after takeoff, both engines lost power, and the plane crashed into residential buildings at the B.J. Medical College campus, causing a devastating fire. Air india crash updates confirmed that 260 people onboard perished, with one passenger surviving, alongside 19 casualties and 67 injuries on the ground.

air india flight crash report

Timeline and Crash Details

EventDate & TimeDetails
Scheduled DepartureJune 12, 2025, 13:37Air India 171 takes off from Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick
Loss of Engine Power40 seconds after takeoffBoth engines report power loss, pilots issue a mayday call
Crash SiteApprox. 1.5 km from runwayAircraft strikes hostel and staff quarters of B.J. Medical College campus, causing fire and multiple explosions
Survivors1 onboard, 67 on groundSole survivor identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin
Investigation StartSame dayLocal and international agencies, including the US NTSB and Boeing, begin probe

The event marks the first air india crash involving a Dreamliner and is the worst Indian airline disaster in nearly 40 years.

Key Findings from the Air India Plane Crash Report

The air india plane crash investigation began immediately after the accident. The official air india plane crash report and the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed several critical findings:

  • Both engines stopped working almost simultaneously, barely 40 seconds after takeoff; power was lost within one second of each other.
  • The fuel-control switches that manage fuel supply to the engines were found in the ‘cutoff’ position, which ended fuel delivery and engine function.
  • The cockpit confusion is confirmed by the black box audio, featuring a pilot questioning, “Why did you cut off
  • The Boeing 787 was airworthy and recently maintained, but a 2018 FAA advisory about a possible defect in the Dreamliner’s fuel control switches remained uninspected by Air India, as it wasn’t mandatory.
  • Recovery systems partially activated, but full restarts of the engines failed during the emergency.
  • There were no dangerous materials present on the vessel, and the weather conditions were clear and sweltering during the incident.

Addressing Misinformation and Social Media Rumors

In the digital era, major events like the air india plane crash are often targets for speculation and fake content. The week following the crash saw a surge in misleading reports and manipulated videos circulated online, sometimes even using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). These included:

  • False claims that the captain’s seat slid backward or that inclement weather was responsible–contradicted by the official air india flight crash report, which confirmed clear skies and minor winds.
  • GenAI-created fake videos misrepresenting the livery and crash scene.
  • Speculation about the sole survivor’s seat—debunked by official reports.

The lack of regular official updates added fuel to rumor mills and highlighted the danger of relying solely on social media for crash updates. Authorities urge sharing only verified information from official sources.

The Investigation: International Collaboration

The air india crash investigation is led by India’s AAIB, with support from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and key industry players like Boeing and General Electric. Collaboration is crucial for transparency and data sharing, especially as the Dreamliner’s advanced systems are under scrutiny. The preliminary report is open-ended, noting fuel switch issues but avoiding assigning blame. Both the US and Indian pilot associations stress waiting for the complete investigation before drawing conclusions, and urge against premature finger-pointing or conspiracy theories.

Impact on Passengers, Crew, and Community

This air india crash has touched many lives. All but one passenger died, and over 60 people on the ground, many medical students, suffered injuries due to fire and building collapse. Family identification was difficult because of the intense blaze, with DNA testing needed for most victims. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, emerged as the crash’s only survivor, managing to escape from a broken aircraft section near the emergency exit. His story captured global attention as he was seen walking unaided from the wreckage.

Safety, Regulation, and Moving Forward

The air india crash report highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance, transparent communication, and regular regulatory checks on all aircraft systems. The Dreamliner’s fuel control switches, though flagged years earlier, were never inspected as required. In response, regulators may now reassess similar advisories for strict compliance.

Table: Air India 171 Crash Overview

AspectDetail
Aircraft TypeBoeing 787 Dreamliner
Fatalities260 onboard, 19 on ground
Survivor1 (Vishwash Kumar Ramesh)
Crash Cause (Preliminary)Simultaneous engine failure—fuel control switches in ‘cutoff’ state
Contributing Factors (Investigated)Potential fuel switch defect identified by the FAA in 2018
Ongoing ActionsThe joint investigation is being led by AAIB, Boeing, NTSB, and GE

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the official cause of the Air India plane crash?

As per the air india flight crash report, investigators found both engines lost power seconds after takeoff due to fuel-control switches being in the ‘cutoff’ position. A defect flagged years ago was not inspected, but the exact cause remains under review.

How many people survived the Air India 171 crash?

Out of 242 onboard, only one passenger survived—the rest, including crew and 19 ground residents, lost their lives.

Is pilot error cited in the report regarding the Air India crash?

No official blame has been assigned. The report notes cockpit confusion and mentions switch positions but stops short of attributing human error.

Why is there widespread social media misinformation about the crash?

Limited official communication and the emergence of AI-generated fraudulent content have sparked an increase in rumors and conspiracy theories. Verified updates from government and agencies are recommended for accuracy.

What is the next step in the air india crash investigation?

The AAIB is working closely with the US NTSB and Boeing to conduct a thorough technical analysis. Further updates and a final report are expected to answer remaining questions. The tragedy of the air india plane crashes reminds us of the value of vigilance, regulation, and clear communication in aviation safety. As new findings emerge, reliable sources will continue to provide necessary air india crash updates for travelers and aviation professionals.

Read more articles please click on the Link.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top