Air India plane crash: What went wrong? Experts suspect these as the possible reasons

In one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history, at least 265 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, were killed after an Air India flight en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The ill-fated Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB), was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — when it plummeted into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College & Hospital, causing further casualties on the ground.

What Went Wrong?

While the official cause remains undetermined, Aviation experts and CAPA India have pointed toward several potential causes:

Technical Malfunction or Hydraulic Failure: Preliminary findings suggest a possible hydraulic system failure, affecting aircraft control during climb.

Failure to Deploy Flaps and Slats: Video footage analyzed post-crash shows flaps and slats were not extended, essential for lift during takeoff, and the landing gear remained down, hindering aerodynamics.

Loss of Thrust: Some initial reports indicate a complete loss of thrust shortly after takeoff, severely limiting the plane’s ability to gain altitude.

Unverified Theories: Other speculations include a possible engine stall or bird strike, although these remain unconfirmed.

Human Toll and Response

The confirmed death toll stands at 265, including multiple students and medical staff in the hostel building. Several others are injured and undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Authorities have begun collecting DNA samples for the identification of victims, given the extent of burns and trauma sustained in the crash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and said the nation mourns with the victims' families. A high-level emergency task force has been deployed to coordinate relief efforts.

The Road Ahead

A comprehensive investigation is expected to take weeks, if not months. Meanwhile, questions are mounting over maintenance protocols, pilot response, and ground readiness. India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has also grounded similar Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India for urgent inspections.