An Air India flight, AI171, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in India on Monday. Tragically, it was an accident that caused 18 of the 242 people on board to perish. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was operating a normal commercial flight when it lost contact with the London air traffic control. This incident, happening less than a minute after takeoff, is the first big problem for the Boeing 787 since entering into commercial service in 2011.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 PM local time. Witnesses continued to observe the jet gaining altitude. Then, without warning, it entered a steep and extreme descent, issuing a Mayday transmission to air traffic controllers in unmistakable indication of emergency. Sadly, that signal was lost at an altitude of 625 feet. Though we must await confirmation from local authorities, early reports suggest that passengers and crew may have not survived.
Indian authorities are still working to determine what exactly caused the crash. They have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine exactly what transpired. This accident comes on the heels of a concerning trend of major aviation disasters in India. It is telling that the latest Air India Express crash, in Kerala in 2020, killed at least 18 people. Since then, Indian aviation authorities have made efforts to enhance safety measures and infrastructure, aiming to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.
International reactions have followed in wake of the shocking news of this crash. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were “devastating.” Canadian PM Mark Carney said he was heartbroken at the news of the train crash. They follow a long line of world leaders and city officials who have already expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families.” – S. Jaishankar
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic event, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.” He offered some personal reflections on all those affected. During this time he began soliciting help from ministers and civic authorities to offer their support and assistance.
Boeing was quick to send out a touching condolence laden statement. They indicated, “Our hearts go out to the passengers and crew, first responders and everyone affected. Families in every country are dealing with enormous loss from the pandemic. Their grieving worry as they wait to learn if the loved ones succumbing to this tragedy.
As King Charles III declared on his state visit to Ahmedabad recently, these events are “desperately shocking.” He offered his prayers and condolences to all those impacted by this terrible event. He emphasized that the loss weighs heavily on many across various countries whose citizens were on board the ill-fated flight.
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.” – King Charles
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently assisting with the investigation. In the meantime, they’re remaining in constant touch with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In their defense of this proposal, FAA admitted that when an international incident happens, the home government of that incident directs the investigation. In their announcement, they emphasized their willingness to send a team today in cooperation with NTSB if needed.
“When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation.” – FAA
“In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official U.S. representative and the FAA provides technical support.” – FAA
As crash investigators continue to comb through wreckage and debris from the crash site, transportation security experts are working to make sense of the incident’s details. According to the local police commissioner, work is still being done to identify victims and bring closure and assistance to their families.
The crash has once again focused national attention on lax aviation safety standards. The public is specifically concerned about the impact of newer aircraft models, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Stakeholders within the aviation sector are advocating for comprehensive evaluations of safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with air travel.
