Ahmedabad: A massive investigation into the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which killed 274 people on June 12, is underway, but officials warn that uncovering the cause could take months. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a hostel at BJ Medical College just 30 seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, following a MAYDAY call. The tragedy, which claimed former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani among its victims, has left the nation in mourning.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), alongside the US National Transportation Safety Board, UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, and Boeing, is leading the probe under International Civil Aviation Organization protocols. A critical breakthrough came when the flight data recorder was recovered from the hostel’s rooftop within 28 hours. Decoding it could reveal why the aircraft failed to gain lift, as suggested by retired Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. Investigators are exploring mechanical failure, pilot error, or sabotage, with the National Investigation Agency assisting.
The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, and eyewitness accounts are aiding the inquiry, but identifying the 274 victims—most charred beyond recognition—remains daunting. Only 19 have been identified via DNA as of June 14. A high-level committee, set to meet tomorrow, has three months to recommend safety measures. A preliminary report is due within 30 days, but a final report may take until June 2026.
The crash’s scale, international scope, and technical complexity demand a meticulous process. As families await closure, Air India’s hotline (1800 5691 444) offers support. The nation watches closely, hoping for answers to prevent future tragedies.
