The pilot’s chilling “Mayday” call was the last transmission before the aircraft vanished from radar
A Nation in Shock: Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes After Takeoff
In one of India’s worst aviation disasters, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, 204 lives were lost, and 41 others were injured, some critically.
The Final Transmission: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”
Moments after takeoff at 1:39 PM IST, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, issued a chilling “Mayday” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). This internationally recognized distress signal indicated a life-threatening emergency. However, no further communication followed. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghaninagar area, igniting a massive fireball.
Devastation on the Ground
The crash site resembled a war zone. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion, followed by thick black smoke and flames engulfing nearby buildings. Several students in the hostel were killed or injured, adding to the tragedy. Emergency responders, including fire brigades, NDRF teams, and paramedics, rushed to the scene. Green corridors were created across Ahmedabad to transport the injured to hospitals.
What Went Wrong?
While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports suggest a possible dual engine failure, potentially due to multiple bird strikes. The aircraft reportedly struggled to gain altitude and began descending shortly after takeoff. Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered and are being analyzed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Government and Global Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heartbreaking beyond words”, while Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured a thorough investigation. International aviation bodies, including Boeing and the FAA, are expected to assist in the probe.
Conclusion:
A Tragedy That Demands Answers The Ahmedabad plane crash has left the nation grieving and searching for answers. The pilot’s final “Mayday” call stands as a haunting reminder of the moments before disaster struck. As investigations continue, India mourns the lives lost and hopes for accountability and improved aviation safety.
Stay updated with the latest news on Rapido Updates. Keep yourself updated with The World, India News, Entertainment, Market, Gadgets, Sports, and many more