Ahmedabad, June 12 (IANS): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB and bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just outside the airport perimeter minutes after departing.
“There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated,” a DGCA spokesperson said, confirming that all relevant agencies are actively involved in the probe.
The aircraft had taken off at 13:39 IST from Runway 23, and officials confirmed that a Mayday call was made moments after liftoff. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit after that. The flight was being commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
There were 242 individuals on board the aircraft, including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and two pilots.
Eyewitnesses, including nearby residents and airport personnel, reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the crash site shortly after the incident. The aircraft is believed to have failed to gain adequate altitude before crashing just beyond the airport boundary. Emergency response teams were deployed within minutes, and rescue operations are currently underway.
DGCA officials are at the scene collecting flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and witness testimonies as part of the formal inquiry. Boeing representatives are also expected to assist the investigation team on the ground.
This marks one of the most serious aviation disasters involving a wide-body aircraft in India in recent years. As of now, authorities have not released information on casualties or possible survivors.
While early speculation includes theories ranging from engine failure to possible flight control issues, officials have urged the public and media to refrain from concluding until verified findings are released. The incident has sparked deep concern across the aviation sector and raised questions about aircraft safety protocols and maintenance standards.
