An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, operating as flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The aircraft was carrying 242 people on board, including crew members.
According to aviation experts, the crash occurred at a very low altitude—around 825 feet—just after takeoff. Preliminary analysis of visuals suggests a catastrophic failure to gain lift or a possible loss of engine thrust. Experts have also not ruled out the possibility of bird hits or an incorrect take-off configuration.
“The pilots appeared to struggle to maintain climb before issuing a Mayday call. The aircraft then descended rapidly and crashed outside the airport perimeter,” a source in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that multiple bird strikes or improper flap or trim settings could have led to the tragic failure. Experts also pointed out that the aircraft’s landing gear had not been retracted, and the engines showed signs of losing thrust.
The aircraft was heavily fueled for the long-haul flight to London, adding to the intensity of the fire post-crash. Rescue and investigation operations are ongoing, and further details are awaited.
The DGCA, Air India, and airport authorities are expected to release a preliminary report once the black box and flight data are reviewed.