Investigators probing the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171 are now focusing on possible aircraft overloading and pilot training deficiencies, as initial analysis of the aircraft’s black boxes offers crucial clues into the June 12 disaster that killed 279 people.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to Gatwick Airport in London, plunged into a medical college hostel moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 241 passengers and crew onboard, as well as 29 people on the ground. Only one passenger, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived. His younger brother was among the dead.
Indian authorities, working closely with U.S. and UK investigators and Boeing engineers, have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. These devices—commonly known as black boxes—are now being examined for insights into the aircraft’s final moments.
According to former pilot and aviation expert Amit Singh, the black boxes will play a central role in uncovering the truth. “The data will reveal everything—engine performance, flight controls, alarms, and the pilots’ communication. It’s the spine of any crash investigation,” he said.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Captains Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder, who were flying the aircraft, issued a mayday call shortly before the crash.
Investigators are now scrutinizing the aircraft’s total load at departure, the pilots’ certification and simulator training, and the possibility of mechanical issues that may have gone unaddressed. Early speculation also points to a sudden wind shear or a bird strike that could have led to catastrophic dual-engine failure during takeoff.
“The appearance of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) in the crash footage indicates the aircraft may have lost both engines or suffered hydraulic failure,” said commercial pilot and crash analyst Steve Schreiber.
The plane reportedly lost altitude just 625 feet into its ascent, crashing into the hostel that housed dozens of medical students. The resulting inferno charred most of the aircraft, severely hampering recovery efforts.
Among the victims on the ground was 14-year-old Akash Patni. His older brother, Kalpeshbhai, was seen weeping inconsolably outside a local hospital. “He wanted to be a doctor,” Kalpeshbhai said quietly.
In response, the Indian government has constituted a high-level inquiry committee tasked with delivering a preliminary report within three months. Meanwhile, Air India has grounded its fleet of 33 Dreamliners for thorough inspections and maintenance reviews.
The tragic incident is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009. However, Boeing has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years over quality control issues.
On board the doomed aircraft were 159 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
