What Caused Air India Flight AI 171 Crash: Preliminary Reports Suggest Multiple Possible Causes

Ahmedabad | June 14, 2025 — A tragic Air India plane crash that occurred on the outskirts of Ahmedabad on Wednesday has left the nation in shock. Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI 171) that tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 people onboard and several on the ground. With the recovery of both black boxes, investigators hope to unravel the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic incident.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the accident, with initial reports hinting at a combination of mechanical failure and potential human error as possible contributors.

Black Boxes Recovered & International Experts Join Probe

• The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and secured in New Delhi, with data extraction expected within days.

• Experts from Boeing, the U.S. NTSB, and the U.K. AAIB have arrived in India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Primary Lines of Inquiry

1. Engine Thrust Failure
   Experts suggest a sudden loss of thrust may have caused a stall immediately after takeoff. Flight radar data shows the aircraft climbed to about 625 feet before rapidly descending

2. Flap Configuration Errors
   Analysis of crash-site footage indicates the wing flaps may not have been extended properly at takeoff, reducing lift. Aviation analysts also highlight the possibility of premature flap retraction due to piloting error.

3. Landing Gear Status
   Observations show the landing gear remained extended during ascent, raising questions about hydraulic or mechanical issues.

4. Maintenance & Fuel Concerns
   Investigators are reviewing Air India’s 787 maintenance logs, including the condition of its GEnx engines, and are checking for fuel contamination.

5. Sabotage or Cyber-interference
   Political figures, notably Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT), have raised the specter of sabotage or a cyber-attack, prompting the inclusion of anti-terror agencies in the investigation.

6. Bird Strike Ruled Out
   CCTV footage captured dust clouds but no bird activity; bird strike is not currently a primary focus.

Expert Insights

• Dr. Sonya Brown, aerospace lecturer, described the crash as consistent with “significant loss of thrust” leading to a stall.

• Aviation consultant Captain Steve suggested a possible co-pilot error—retracting flaps instead of gear—could explain the sudden loss of lift

Timeline & Next Steps

• Preliminary findings are expected within the next 5–7 days after decoding the black box data.

• A comprehensive technical report covering structural, mechanical, human, and environmental factors could take several months to a year.

The investigation into Flight AI 171 encompasses multiple potential causes—from engine thrust issues and flap errors to maintenance lapses and even sabotage. With black boxes recovered and international experts involved, a clearer picture is expected soon, although definitive answers may only emerge after lengthy analysis.