AI171 Crash Explained: Weather, Aircraft Load & Safety Factors

 AI171 Crash Explained: Weather, Aircraft Load & Safety Factors

On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, operating a scheduled service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just two minutes after takeoff. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, reportedly valued at over ₹2,100 crore (approximately $250 million). There were 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. This tragic incident has once again highlighted the serious operational challenges aircraft face during summer takeoff conditions

What Happened During Takeoff?

Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, and by 1:40 PM, it had already issued a distress signal. The pilot-in-command, Captain Sumit Sabharwal, declared a "Mayday," the most serious emergency signal in aviation, used only when the situation becomes life-threatening and uncontrollable.

At the time of the distress call, the aircraft had only reached an altitude of 625 feet, which is far below the minimum safe climb-out height. According to early reports, the aircraft was unable to generate enough lift and started descending instead of climbing, leaving no time or space for the pilot to return to the runway.

Summer Weather and Aircraft Performance: A Dangerous Combination

Summer introduces specific technical challenges that affect aircraft performance, especially during takeoff:

1. Lower Air Density

In hot weather, air becomes thinner. Thinner air produces less lift at the same speed, meaning aircraft require a longer runway and higher takeoff speed to achieve proper lift. This naturally increases the strain on both the engines and the structure during takeoff.

2. Cold Engine Start in Hot Conditions

Before long-haul flights, aircraft engines often remain idle for several hours. When such cold engines are started and immediately pushed to full power under intense heat, it creates thermal stress. This temperature shock can lead to engine or system malfunctions during the most critical phase of flight.

3. The Role of Engine Stress and V1 Speed in Aviation Accidents

Once an aircraft reaches approximately 300 km/h on the runway (V1 speed), the decision to abort takeoff is no longer possible. After V1, the pilot must commit to takeoff no matter what. If a technical issue arises beyond this speed, it must be handled in the air, placing immense responsibility on the pilot and aircraft systems.

Pilot’s Role and Decision-Making During Takeoff Emergencies

Takeoff is considered one of the most technically challenging phases of flight. The pilot must evaluate several factors in real time — including runway length, aircraft weight, weather conditions, engine response, and wind direction — before applying full throttle.

Once past the critical decision speed, it becomes a matter of pilot skill, training, and split-second decision-making. There is little margin for error.

Official Response from Air India and Rescue Operation Updates

Following the crash, rescue and medical teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Air India released an official update around 3:26 PM, providing the following details:

Flight Details and Timeline of the Crash

Total onboard: 242 (passengers + crew)

169 Indian nationals

53 British nationals

7 Portuguese nationals

1 Canadian national

Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The airline has also activated an emergency helpline for families of passengers:

Helpline Number: 18800 56914

A separate number has been issued for media inquiries:

Media Contact: 98214 14954

Investigation Underway

The aircraft’s black box has been recovered and is under analysis. This device contains crucial data, including:

Flight trajectory

Engine performance

Cockpit conversations

Control system responses

Technical Factors That Reduce Lift in Summer

Boeing’s technical teams, along with aviation authorities in India and abroad, are now reviewing the data to identify the root cause of the failure.

Final Thoughts

The crash of Flight AI171 underscores the heightened risks of summer takeoffs, especially for heavy aircraft operating in hot climates. While modern aircraft are designed to withstand harsh conditions, even minor system issues during takeoff can quickly escalate if not managed in time.

This tragedy not only calls attention to environmental factors like air temperature and density but also reinforces the importance of rigorous pre-flight checks, pilot preparedness, and engine condition monitoring.

The results of the ongoing investigation will hopefully lead to stronger preventive measures and enhanced safety protocols for airlines operating under similar conditions in the future.

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