Air India Flight AI171 Crash at Ahmedabad; An Early Evaluation of Possible Causes
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Fails to Gain Altitude, Raising Questions on Flap Settings and Takeoff Procedures
Ahmedabad, India – A tragic incident unfolded at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (VAAH) when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff. Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft failed to generate sufficient lift, leading to a catastrophic descent. Eyewitness videos and flight data indicate that the landing gear remained extended, and the flaps—critical for takeoff lift—may not have been properly deployed.
Flight Details and Takeoff Profile
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft utilized the full length of Runway 23 (11,499 feet / 3,505 meters) after backtracking—a standard procedure for heavily loaded long-haul flights. Backtracking allows the aircraft to maximize runway length for acceleration, particularly in high-temperature conditions where engine performance is reduced.
Key Observations from Takeoff:
- Runway Used: RWY 23 (Heading 230° magnetic)
- Backtracking Performed: Aircraft taxied to the far end before turning for takeoff.
- Full Runway Utilization: Standard for weight, temperature, and safety margins.
- Ambient Temperature: 37°C (98.6°F)—high temperatures reduce engine thrust and lift efficiency.
Possible Causes Under Scrutiny
Experts analyzing the crash footage and flight data have raised alarming possibilities:
1. Flap Misconfiguration – A Critical Error?
- Flaps at Zero Degrees? Witness footage suggests flaps were not extended (should be at 5° or 15° for takeoff).
- Impact on Lift: Without flaps, the aircraft would struggle to generate enough lift, especially in hot conditions with a full fuel load.
- Pilot Error? Did the crew retract flaps instead of landing gear after takeoff?
2. Engine Performance Issues
- Thrust Deficiency: Was there an engine malfunction or fuel quality issue?
- High-Temperature Penalty: At 37°C, engines produce less thrust, requiring longer takeoff rolls.
3. Weight and Balance Concerns
- Overweight Takeoff? Improper load calculations or cargo shift could have destabilized the aircraft.
- Center of Gravity Issues: An imbalanced load may have affected climb performance.
Why This Matters for Aviation Safety
The full runway usage suggests the crew anticipated performance challenges, but flap misconfiguration could have been a fatal oversight. If flaps were indeed retracted prematurely or not extended at all, the aircraft would have been unable to climb, leading to an immediate stall.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Authorities will examine:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) & Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) for pilot communications and system status.
- Maintenance Records to check for prior flap-related issues.
- Engine Performance Data to rule out thrust failures.
This incident underscores the critical importance of pre-takeoff checks, especially in extreme weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, aviation regulators may revisit training protocols for high-temperature operations.
Full video sequence shows the aircraft’s acceleration, takeoff roll, initial climb, sudden loss of lift, and subsequent crash | Watch Below
📹 CCTV Footage: Air India Flight AI171's Final Moments
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) June 12, 2025
*"Shocking airport CCTV captures Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI171) struggling for altitude moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft fails to gain lift, leading to catastrophic descent. Full sequence from… pic.twitter.com/8z0UJppUnM
Disclaimer
The analysis presented in this article regarding the crash of Air India Flight AI171 is based on publicly available information, expert opinions, and preliminary observations from aviation enthusiasts. This evaluation is purely speculative and does not claim to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and only official reports from aviation authorities—such as India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)—can provide conclusive findings.
This article does not assign responsibility to the flight crew, maintenance personnel, airline, or any other party involved in the operation. Aviation incidents are complex, and multiple factors—including technical malfunctions, environmental conditions, and procedural elements—must be thoroughly examined before reaching definitive conclusions.
Readers are advised to treat this as an informational discussion rather than a final assessment. Updates from official sources should be followed for accurate developments.
