Aircraft operated by Air India plummets 900 feet following takeoff, mere days after significant crash incident.
In a dramatic incident on June 14, 2025, an Air India Boeing 777, en route to London, plunged approximately 900 feet during initial climb after takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport[1][2]. The aircraft received multiple critical warnings, including a stick shaker alert, a stall warning, and two "don’t sink" cautions from the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)[1][2].
Despite the severity of the situation, the crew managed to recover the aircraft and continue the flight safely to Vienna, completing the journey after 9 hours and 8 minutes[1][2]. However, an initial pilot report understated the incident by mentioning only turbulence-induced stick shaker activity and omitting the more serious stall and GPWS warnings. The full extent was uncovered later by analyzing the flight data recorder (FDR)[1][2].
The incident, which occurred just 38 hours after the fatal AI 171 crash, has prompted immediate action from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA initiated a probe and heightened oversight of Air India's safety and maintenance protocols[1][2]. Both pilots involved were immediately grounded pending investigation, and Air India’s head of safety was summoned by the regulator for questioning[1][2].
In response to these incidents, Air India has disclosed the details to the DGCA and has cut international wide-body operations by 15% to accommodate intensified safety inspections ordered by the DGCA[2]. Industry insiders note that while aircraft have improved under new management, passenger confidence in Air India’s safety needs to be restored[1].
This is not the first time Air India has faced safety concerns. A recent audit revealed ongoing maintenance issues and inadequate follow-through on reported defects in Air India's operations[1]. The matter was not disclosed to the DGCA in accordance with regulations, unlike the earlier incident[1].
The DGCA has launched an extensive review of Air India's safety practices, and the outcome of the investigations could trigger a tightening of aviation safety protocols and internal procedures[1][2]. The review aims to identify and address any systemic issues that may have contributed to these incidents and to ensure the safety of passengers and crew in the future.
In summary:
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Incident Date | June 14, 2025 | | Aircraft Behavior | 900-foot altitude loss during climb; multiple stall and GPWS warnings | | Crew Response | Recovery of aircraft; completion of flight to Vienna | | Pilot Report Discrepancy | Initial report omitted stall and GPWS warnings, citing only turbulence-related stick shaker | | Regulatory Action | DGCA probe; pilots grounded; Air India safety head summoned; heightened inspections | | Airline Response | Disclosure to DGCA; reduction of wide-body international flights by 15% | | Safety Concerns | Maintenance-related issues; need for improved coordination between departments |
These steps reflect urgent efforts to investigate the causes thoroughly and implement safety measures aimed at preventing recurrence of such near-disasters and regaining public trust after recent safety concerns at Air India[1][2].
- The sports news from June 14, 2025, was overshadowed by a severe incident in the business industry as an Air India Boeing 777 plunged during takeoff.
- The finance sector has been discussing the impact of this aviation mishap on Air India's bottom line due to potential legal charges, reduced ticket sales, and intensified safety inspections.
- In the travel industry, there is increasing concern about the after-effects of the incident, as passengers may reconsider booking flights with Air India, seeking alternative transportation.
- As for health, those affected by the trauma of the incident will likely require counseling to cope with the stress and Anxiety caused by the near-disaster.
- The entertainment community is creating dramatized adaptations of the Air India incident for movies and television shows, as these types of events often serve as inspiration for gripping stories.
- In the realm of the industry, there is a renewed focus on the importance of maintaining equipment, reporting defects, and adhering to regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, inspired by the recent Air India incidents.
