On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft, operating a scheduled service to London Gatwick (LGW), crashed in the Meghani/Meghaninagar area near the airport, marking the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction.
Table of Contents
Incident Details
Flight Information
- Flight Number: AI171
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Registration: VT-ANB (reported)
- Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW)
- Scheduled Departure: 13:10 IST
- Actual Takeoff: Approximately 13:38 IST
- Passengers and Crew: 242 people on board, including crew
Crash Sequence
The aircraft crashed shortly after departure from runway 23, with reports indicating the aircraft flew only meters before the incident occurred. The crash triggered a large fire, likely exacerbated by a full fuel load, and footage shared on social media showed a giant plume of smoke engulfing the crash site.
Current Status
Air India confirmed that Flight AI171 was “involved in an incident” and stated they are “ascertaining the details.” As of the latest reports, no reports of fatalities or survivors have been confirmed, though rescue operations are ongoing.
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Overview
Aircraft Specifications
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-sized, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner and a member of the B787 series. Key characteristics include:
- Construction: The world’s first airliner using composite materials for most of its construction (approximately 50 percent)
- Reliability: The 787-8 models are rated for a 330-minute ETOPS capability, which enhances their reliability for long-distance flights
- Performance: Designed for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort on long-haul routes
Safety Record Prior to This Incident
Before this crash, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner maintained a strong safety record. The Boeing 787 had been involved in eight accidents and incidents as of June 2025, but none were fatal hull losses until this incident. Previous notable incidents included:
- A Japan Airlines (JAL) 787 experienced a fuel leak on January 8, 2013, with its flight from Boston canceled
- The Boeing 787-8 APU battery failure that occurred in January 2013, which received significant technical and media attention regarding lithium battery safety
Market Impact
The crash has had immediate financial repercussions for Boeing:
- Boeing shares plunged nearly 7% in U.S. pre-market trading, dropping to $199.44
- In European markets, Boeing stock traded at €173.30, down 7.71%
- This represents the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had previously maintained a clean safety record since its introduction
Investigation Status
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and Boeing are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The investigation will likely focus on:
- Takeoff Performance: Analysis of the aircraft’s performance during the critical takeoff phase
- Weather Conditions: Meteorological factors at the time of departure
- Aircraft Maintenance: Review of maintenance records and recent inspections
- Flight Data Recovery: Analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recorders if recovered
- Human Factors: Crew actions and decision-making processes
Implications for Aviation Safety
This incident marks a significant moment in commercial aviation, as it represents the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family. The investigation’s findings will be crucial for:
- Understanding any potential design or operational issues with the 787-8
- Reviewing takeoff procedures and safety protocols
- Assessing the impact on public confidence in the Dreamliner fleet
- Potential regulatory responses or operational modifications
Conclusion
The Air India Flight AI171 crash represents a tragic milestone for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner program. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, the aviation industry will closely monitor the findings to ensure the continued safety of the global fleet. The immediate market reaction demonstrates the significant impact such incidents have on manufacturer confidence and the broader aviation sector.
The full scope of casualties and the detailed cause of the crash remain under investigation, with authorities working to provide answers to the families affected and the broader aviation community.
