Introduction
The recent catastrophe, the Ahmedabad plane crash, has devastated the entire nation, along with the international aviation industry, into a huge shock. Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner has unfortunately crashed after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. This article will focus on a comprehensive analysis of its causes, the details of the ongoing investigation, and the emergency responses.
The brief overview of the incident
Flight details
Airline name: Air India
Route of the flight: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad, India) to Gatwick Airport (United Kingdom).
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Air India, which is mostly used for long-haul flights.
On-board persons: 242 people (12 crew and 229 passengers).
Timeline of the incident: within a minute after the flight took off from the mentioned airport in Ahmedabad.
Site of crash
The aircraft crashed on the residential campus of BJ Medical College, located in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area close to the Airport. According to the eyewitnesses, heavy smoke and gigantic fireballs were emanating from the place. Subsequently, the emergency responses and the fire tender team rushed into the place. CCTV footage from the nearby areas has captured the moment when it is seen that the flight did not achieve the required altitude to take off properly.
Emergency responses
Emergency services were installed immediately, but the intense fire brought difficulties in rescuing the people.
The rescue and fire team were dispatched within a minute.
The high alert was sent to the hospitals in Ahmedabad.
The residents and nearby people have supported until the official team arrives.
Casualties, victims, and survivors
Two hundred seventy-four people have died in one of the deadliest aircraft crashes. Reportedly, 10 doctors, along with their relatives, became the victims of this tragedy and were all shifted to the residential quarters of the medical college. Approximately 24 MBBS students are undergoing the treatment.
A 28-year-old engineer hails from Vadodara, Viswashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, is the lone survivor from this catastrophe. This Indian origin British national started the journey with his brother (namely Ajay Kumar Ramesh) on this flight. While his brother was deceased, Viswashkumar Ramesh fortunately survived and was taken to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Now he is discharged and in a completely safe position.
This fatal incident has also claimed the existence of former chief minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, who was on the flight to reach London for an official engagement.
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Possible causes of the incident
Bird strike
Ahmedabad airport is near the semi-rural and urban zones, and the activity of birds is common in this place.
Miscommunication or pilot error
It may not be possible in this case, but it may be possible if it is related to the technical faults.
Engine failure
The technical or mechanical fault immediately after that takeoff can be the probable reason for this rapid loss.
Terror or Sabotage
There is no confirmed indication at this time, but the investigation will be explored in the near future.
Investigation so far
Recovery of black boxes and conduct of DNA tests
The sources have reported that the black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the rooftop of the Medical College. It will complement the earlier retrieval of the flight data recorder, which is crucial to uncover the cause of the Boeing 787 crash. The experts are closely examining the aircraft's Ram Air Turbine, which is the key emergency system that can identify the possible factors. A detailed investigation has set in motion by AAIB or Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The US National Transportation Safety Board is also conducting a parallel investigation, following international protocols, as the craft was manufactured in the United States.
Meanwhile, the DNA identification has confirmed 119 victims, with 64 mortal remains handed over to the grieving families. The authorities expect the process to conclude within 48 hours. The injured passengers have been discharged in various phases.
The coordination of the different agencies
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is the lead authority as far as the probe is concerned. Assisted by Boeing, the United States National Transportation Safety Board, and the NSG (National Security Guard) team, they are intensifying the examination on the ground to investigate potential sabotage. They are also being assisted by the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), who assist AAIB in uncovering the debris. The instruction from AAIB has emphasized examining the black box that was recovered. The recent instruction from AAIB is to examine the cabin area, including the cabin parts of the aircraft that crashed. AAIB is attempting to gather essential evidence, coordinating it with the video evidence and CCTV footage. All of these efforts will be beneficial to get the real picture behind this massive plane crash.Are there any flaws in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
Whistleblowers warning
Last year, in April 2024, Sam Salehpour, a senior quality engineer at Boeing, disclosed to the US Congress that the 787 Dreamliner is associated with a deep-rooted manufacturing shortcut.
The allegations
Structural glitch in fuselage joints
Different sections were positioned perfectly in the fuselage joints. However, the fuselage section of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has not been incorporated appropriately. There were gaps in the fuselage barrel section that were left entirely untouched.
Data fabrication
It has also been alleged that Boeing employees manipulated the test results to conceal misalignments. Even that particular engineer has faced retaliation from the company for escalating this challenge.
Challenges of disbonding
The gaps on fuselage joints might cause the plane to break under fatigue or stress after many cycles.
Boeing reply
The company has denied the issues that can be addressed for the safety of the paper. It further stated that the engineering testing has not shown any evidence of the gap that can impact structural integrity. Later, the company acknowledged the minor inconsistencies linked with the aircraft, but they will be eradicated in the future.
Why does this plane crash matter around the globe?
From the perspective of Boeing
Boeing has been in the news spotlight for the past few years due to the negative things. For example, the 737 Max manufactured by Boeing crashed in 2018-19. The company has faced various criticisms due to the issues with regulatory fines, late delivery, and quality control.
Aviation safety
Once, the Dreamliner aircraft was the epitome of advanced engineering in the context of aviation. However, the consecutive warning is forcing the company to reassess the manufacturing standard of this aircraft. Other airlines that operate the 787 Dreamliner may have to confront the safety check.
Conclusion
The recent plane crash in Ahmedabad in 2025 has highlighted various vulnerabilities in the aviation safety landscape in India. The exact cause of this incident is still under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting a combination of human error and technical malfunction. Respected authorities are making efforts to decipher the truth behind this incident. This devastation will improve the future policies of Boeing, Air India, and also aviation regulators around the globe, undoubtedly in the upcoming years.