Air India Flight 171 ended in tragedy when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal issued a mayday call 11 seconds into the flight, reporting engine failure and loss of thrust.
The plane lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a residential area, killing most onboard and causing additional casualties on the ground.
Authorities are investigating, with mechanical failure and bird strikes as possible causes. Captain Sabharwal, a veteran nearing retirement, had recently promised his elderly father to spend more time together—a reunion that will never happen.
First Officer Clive Kunder and several crew members also perished. The aircraft struck a hostel at B.J. Medical College, severely injuring many and leaving others missing. Rescue operations continue in dangerous conditions as hospitals treat dozens of victims.
Mumbai, home to many of the crew, is especially shaken. Flight AI171 included passengers from India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal. The plane lost contact with air traffic control minutes after takeoff in calm weather. As smoke filled the sky over Ahmedabad, emergency teams responded swiftly. The full death toll and exact cause remain under investigation.