**Breaking News: Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff, Investigation Underway**
In a devastating turn of events, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, bound for London Gateway, was carrying 242 passengers and 12 crew members when it tragically went down in the Beagani Nagar residential area at approximately 1:38 p.m. IST.
Eyewitness reports describe chaos as the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after takeoff, issuing a desperate mayday call that went unanswered. The experienced crew, led by Captain Sumit Sabberwal and First Officer Clive Kund, had just taken off using the full length of the 11,000 ft runway. Flight tracking data reveals that the plane reached an altitude of 625 ft with a speed of 174 knots before disaster struck.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a technical failure may be to blame, raising alarm given the aircraft’s recent maintenance. Observers noted that the plane struggled to gain lift, with landing gear still deployed and flaps retracted, indicating a potential in-flight emergency. Furthermore, some passengers had reported technical issues before the flight, prompting questions about the thoroughness of the aircraft’s servicing.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are spearheading the investigation, with Boeing providing technical support. Recovery of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders is anticipated to yield crucial insights into this catastrophic incident.
As the world grapples with the shock of this tragedy, Air India has reiterated its commitment to aviation safety and is fully cooperating with investigators. This marks the airline’s first major hull loss since 1985, casting a shadow over its ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance operational safety.
As details continue to emerge, the aviation community and the public are left with one pressing question: What caused this horrific crash just moments after takeoff?