Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Black Box Recovered, Engine Failure Suspected?
Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 – In a devastating aviation disaster, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI-171) carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Ahmedabad-London flight tragically claimed 241 lives, with only one miraculous survivor reported. Additionally many lives were lost on the ground when the aircraft crashed on the roof of the mess of the BJ Medical College hostel.
Black Box Recovered from Crash Site
In a crucial breakthrough, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, from the rooftop of the B.J. Medical College hostel mess building, which the aircraft struck moments before the crash. The device, found near the plane’s tail section, is expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the accident.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the recovery within 28 hours of the crash, calling it a “critical step in the investigation.” The black box records flight parameters, cockpit communications, and technical data, which will help determine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Engine Failure as Primary Cause of the Crash?
Today, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an immediate directive to Air India, the largest operator of Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft in India, to conduct additional maintenance checks on all GenX engine-equipped Dreamliners.
A statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation read:
“In light of the AI-171 accident on 12.06.2025, DGCA has directed Air India to carry out additional maintenance actions on B787-8/9 aircraft with immediate effect.”
This suggests that engine failure, malfunction, or insufficient thrust is being considered as an important factor causing insufficient lift during the climb out phase, leading to the horrific crash.
PM Modi Visits Crash Site, Compensation Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Friday, expressing deep grief over the tragedy. The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim’s family.
The aircraft crashed into the resident doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College, triggering a massive fire. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the crash and recommend aviation safety improvements.
