In a disastrous incident, which shook the nation, the Office of Air India, Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft, operated the flight AI -171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed
In a disastrous incident, which shook the nation, the Office of Air India, Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft, operated the flight AI -171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed a few minutes after the takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred in the residential area of Meghani Nagar, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which sends thick, black smoke plums in the sky and throws the neighborhood into anarchy.
The flight was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese citizens and 1 Canadian National. Sadly, the aircraft released the day of May 1 soon after departing on IST from runway 23 to 1:39 pm, and later the communication was lost.
The aircraft fell into a densely populated residential area just outside the circumference of the airport. Local residents reported a loud explosion after a large -scale fire. As a result, coarse smoke severely disrupted early rescue efforts. Emergency services were immediately sent, including teams of fire brigade, local police and airport emergency services.
A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was also sent to the site, as the rescue operations intensified to draw the survived people and reach the nearby hospitals.
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau of Investigation (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are the routes to start a thorough investigation into the incident for Ahmedabad.
The sick aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabarwal, an experienced pilot for an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, and the first officer Clive Kundar, which was 1,100 hours away. The aircraft, bearing registration VT-AB, was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in January 2014 in Air India.
It marks the first accident to incorporate Boeing 787 Dreamliner worldwide, which combines the gravity and rarity of the event. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft lost the signal at a height of only 625 feet, which rapidly descends with a vertical speed of 475 feet per minute.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA and Air India are actively coordinating efforts to manage after the tragedy. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was participating in the anniversary incidents of NDA in Vijayawada, has participated to Ahmedabad to personally oversee relief work and contact the officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been informed on the situation and has directed all government agencies to provide all possible assistance. He emphasized coordinated rescue efforts and the need for full support to the families of the victims.
Air India has launched a dedicated passenger assistance hotline (1800 5691 444) for relatives seeking information. The airline has promised full cooperation with the investigating officers.
Air India President N Chandrasekaran released a heartfelt statement:
“With intense grief I confirm that Air India flight AI -171 operating Ahmedabad -London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deep sensations are with the families and loved ones of all those people. Our primary attention is affecting everyone and assisting the emergency response teams.”
A spokesman at the Ahmedabad airport confirmed that all flight operations have been temporarily suspended until the next notice to influence domestic and international flight programs.
The cause of the accident is not clear. DGCA and Aaib are expected to check with air traffic control to check black box data, aircraft maintenance records and communication logs to understand whether the may call and subsequent control damage.
Given the importance of the aircraft model and the number of international passengers, the investigation will include international aviation experts and representatives of Boeing and other regulatory agencies.
As such as rescue efforts are released, the nation sees in mourning and hope, survives for the families of the victims and prays for strength.
The flight AI-171 had a total of 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Of these, 169 were Indian nationals.
The exact cause is not yet known. The aircraft issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff, and investigations by the DGCA and AAIB are underway to determine the reasons.
Yes, this is the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft globally, making it a significant and tragic aviation event.
Rescue operations are ongoing with fire services, police, and NDRF teams on-site. The Civil Aviation Minister and top aviation officials are coordinating response efforts in Ahmedabad.
Yes, Air India has set up a dedicated emergency helpline (1800 5691 444) and is providing full support and cooperation to families and investigation authorities.
