Crash of Air-India Flight 171: A Tragic Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Majority of the Deceased in India's Aircraft Accidents Identified
Hop on board as we delve into the latest updates regarding the aftermath of the heart-wrenching Air-India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India.
By now, the identities of 202 victims, scattered across the wreckage, have been confirmed through DNA matching, according to Harsh Sanghavi, the interior minister of Gujarat state, via an online service. In total, the Air-India flight that suffered a devastating nosedive into a residential area just minutes after takeoff last Thursday, carried 242 passengers – of which only one miraculously survived. The surviving passenger is currently under medical care and assisting authorities with the investigation.
Passengers hailed from multiple countries, with 169 being Indian, 53 from the UK, seven from Portugal, and one from Canada. The tragic loss of life also claimed at least 38 lives on the ground.
The crash's cause still eludes investigators, but they are tirelessly working to unveil the mystery behind this horrendous accident. The two black boxes of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, destined for London's Gatwick Airport, were recovered on Friday and Sunday, respectively. British and US investigators are working hand in hand with Indian investigators as part of an international effort to find answers.
As a result of the catastrophic events, India’s civil aviation authority ordered thorough inspections of all Air-India Dreamliner aircraft. Preliminary inspections have revealed no major red flags, as mentioned on Tuesday evening.
airline, Air India, continues to express deep condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families, not only lending a helping hand but also collaborating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat to coordinate support efforts for the distraught loved ones. Volunteers are on the ground, comforting families at hospitals and making arrangements for the deceased[1].
The investigating authorities are working diligently to pinpoint the tragic cause of the accident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated an 'Enhanced Safety Inspection' of Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. Out of 33 aircraft, 26 inspections have been completed and those aircraft have been cleared for service, with the remainder to be completed soon. This inspection process provides reassurance regarding the fleet’s safety procedures[1].
It is confirmed that the right engine of the aircraft involved in the crash was recently replaced and overhauled in March 2025, suggesting that the engine was well-maintained and underwent recent checks. The left engine, however, was due for another overhaul in December 2025. Investigators are still gathering data and information to reach definitive conclusions[3].
A team of four investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has touched down in India to lend their expertise, with skills in aircraft operations, engineering, and data recording. The investigation is being spearheaded by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with the UK AAIB offering support under international protocols. For the time being, detailed information about the investigation's results remains under the control of Indian authorities[4].
The FAA and NTSB from the US are also a part of the multinational investigation, offering advisory and technical support, working closely with Indian agencies during the inquiry[2].
Stay tuned for more updates as the investigative team continues their tireless efforts to reveal the truth surrounding the shocking crash of Air-India Flight 171.
The Air-India airline, Air India, is cooperating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Gujarat to provide support to the affected families. Investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from the US are offering their expertise to aid in the investigation, which is being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Previously, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash had its right engine replaced and overhauled, while the left engine was due for another overhaul. The mystery behind the crash's cause is yet to be unveiled, with authorities tirelessly gathering information and data from the recovered black boxes. Furthermore, India’s civil aviation authority has ordered an 'Enhanced Safety Inspection' of Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet to ensure the fleet's safety procedures.
