Air India Flight’s Final Moments: What the Data and Video Reveal

In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the globe, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of at least 265 passengers. As investigators scramble for answers, early footage and flight data provide a harrowing glimpse into the aircraft’s final moments.

Air India Flight’s Final Moments: A Tragic Turn from Ahmedabad

The Air India Flight AI171 incident is being mourned as the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. Departing from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft’s final recorded data indicated that it took off at approximately 13:38 local time, rising to an altitude of just 625 feet before its signal vanished. This chillingly brief ascent lasted under a minute, ending tragically just 1.5 kilometers from the runway’s edge.

In the initial seconds, the plane appeared to be climbing steadily. According to Flightradar24, its speed reached over 320 km/h. However, verified security camera footage, analyzed by ABC NEWS Verify, revealed an abrupt loss of altitude about 30 seconds post-takeoff. This was followed by a massive explosion, seen as a fireball in subsequent video angles. The visual evidence aligns with the radar data, both illustrating a catastrophic failure shortly after liftoff.

Key Flight Anomalies Observed in AI171’s Final Ascent

Experts quickly noted several irregularities. Aviation safety expert Ron Bartsch from Avlaw remarked that the aircraft’s landing gear was still visibly down, and the wing flaps—critical for increasing lift during takeoff—appeared retracted. This is highly unusual, especially under the environmental conditions at Ahmedabad, where temperatures were hovering around 40°C, adding further strain on lift capability.

“A Boeing 787 can technically climb with its gear down,” Bartsch explained, “but at lower speeds, it critically relies on deployed flaps to generate adequate lift. Without this support, climbing becomes extremely difficult, particularly at maximum takeoff weight.”

This configuration strongly suggests that the pilots were either occupied or possibly misconfigured the aircraft for departure. James Nixon, a former pilot and aviation analyst, hypothesized a critical human error: that the flaps may have been mistakenly retracted instead of the landing gear.

Bird Strike, Distraction, or Equipment Failure?

Another potential factor raised by Guy Hirst, an experienced aviator and educator, was a bird strike. Ahmedabad is known for flocks of birds, despite airport mitigation efforts. This cannot yet be confirmed, but remains a possibility pending black box analysis.

Keith Tonkin, another aviation analyst, interpreted the failure to retract landing gear as an indication the pilots were heavily distracted. In such high-stress takeoff scenarios, missing routine steps is possible, particularly if an emergency, like a bird strike or warning signal, occurred.

Adding to this, a mayday call was reportedly made just seconds post-takeoff. Air traffic control noted a distress signal, but no follow-up transmission ever came through.

Investigation Underway: The Black Box and Future Clarity

Authorities are currently searching for the aircraft’s black box—an essential crash-resistant data recorder containing detailed flight parameters and cockpit audio. These recordings are vital for establishing a clear timeline and diagnosing if technical malfunctions or procedural lapses occurred.

Although double-engine failure has been largely ruled out, a systemic or sensor-based malfunction cannot yet be dismissed. Given the nature of the crash—high-speed descent shortly after lift—most evidence continues to point toward configuration errors during the takeoff roll or immediate post-liftoff phase.

The search and rescue operation, alongside data recovery, is now in full swing. Investigators will soon reconstruct the flight path, cross-reference visual data, and conduct pilot background assessments. This comprehensive process could take weeks or even months, but remains essential for aviation safety moving forward.

Impact and Global Reactions

The international aviation community has expressed deep condolences. Safety protocols are being reviewed across various carriers. Notably, aviation blogs and forums have emphasized the importance of proper crew resource management and cross-checking automated systems during takeoff—a procedure that can be vulnerable to rapid workload spikes.

For the families of the victims and those closely watching the case, answers cannot come soon enough. Media and aviation watchdogs have urged transparency throughout the probe.

Lessons in Aviation Safety and Human Factors

As tragic as it is, the crash of Air India Flight AI171 underscores the crucial role of human decision-making in modern aviation. Despite advanced avionics, the takeoff phase remains one of the most vulnerable flight segments, especially in environments involving high temperature, full load, and possible wildlife intrusions.

Modern airliners are built with redundancies, but they still depend heavily on precise input and clear procedural adherence. This incident will likely renew calls for enhanced training simulations that replicate complex emergency scenarios under high workload.

Flight safety awareness and transparency in reporting must be front and center. In-depth coverage of prior aviation incidents, such as similar takeoff accidents, can provide crucial insights and context for both aviation professionals and the public.

Investigations are ongoing, but early footage and flight data have already outlined critical insights into the Air India flight’s final moments—highlighting the delicate balance of human skill and machine reliance in aviation safety.

Thug Life Box Office Collection Day 9: Sluggish Friday Growth Amid Occupancy Drop

FAQs

What caused the Air India Flight AI171 crash?

Initial findings suggest a possible human error involving flap misconfiguration during takeoff. Experts have also raised the possibility of bird strikes and pilot distraction.

Where did the crash occur?

The aircraft crashed approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad Airport shortly after takeoff.

What did the flight data show?

Flight data indicates the aircraft reached about 625 feet before losing altitude rapidly and crashing within 30 seconds of takeoff.

Was a mayday call issued?

Yes, air traffic control confirmed a mayday call was made just after takeoff, though no further communication was received from the aircraft.

What is the role of the black box in the investigation?

The black box contains critical flight data and cockpit audio, which will help investigators determine the exact sequence of events and identify the crash’s root cause.

Could this crash have been prevented?

While investigations are ongoing, early indications point toward preventable human error, reinforcing the need for rigorous procedural checks during takeoff.