'Mayday' - Was this the pilot's last desperate call before the tragic crash?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Aviation Ministry highlighted that the last words of Air India flight AI-171 were a desperate 'Mayday' just before the crash. Tragically, this incident resulted in the loss of 241 lives and has raised serious concerns regarding aviation safety. Join us as we unpack the details of this catastrophic event.
Key Takeaways
- Final words of the cockpit crew were 'Mayday, Mayday'.
- The crash occurred just 36 seconds after take-off.
- There were a total of 242 individuals on board.
- Only one survivor was reported from the crash.
- The incident has raised serious air safety concerns.
New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) The Aviation Ministry announced on Saturday that the final communication from the cockpit of the doomed Air India flight AI-171 was a frantic “Mayday, Mayday” just moments before the London-bound aircraft crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, resulting in the tragic loss of 241 lives.
This devastating incident occurred a mere 36 seconds post take-off at 1:39 p.m., when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—fully fueled—was unable to ascend beyond 650 feet.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Ahmedabad received the emergency distress signal but quickly lost contact, and seconds later, the flight went down, causing shockwaves throughout the aviation industry and raising serious concerns about safety protocols.
The aircraft, unable to sustain altitude, crashed into a student hostel in Medhaninagar, a heavily populated area just 2 kilometers from the airport, resulting in a catastrophic fireball. As per Aviation Secretary S.K. Sinha, the ministry was notified around 2:00 p.m., roughly 20 minutes after the tragic event. “The aircraft had 242 individuals on board—230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots,” he detailed in a press briefing on Saturday.
The captain of the ill-fated flight was Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Sundar as co-pilot. Heartbreakingly, the crash has claimed 241 lives, potentially increasing including those on the ground, marking it as India’s deadliest aviation disaster since the 2010 Mangaluru crash, which took 158 lives.
The aircraft had successfully completed its Paris-Delhi-Ahmedabad journey without any reported technical issues. However, shortly after departing from Ahmedabad towards Gatwick (London), the Dreamliner seemed to face a catastrophic loss of thrust, with experts considering scenarios like bird strikes or engine failure.
Officials have reported that the black box has been retrieved, which is critical for reconstructing the precise sequence of events. Over 100 personnel, including 40 aviation engineers, are now involved in wreckage recovery and investigation efforts.
Among the 242 passengers, only one individual survived miraculously, but this heartbreaking occurrence has reignited discussions surrounding air safety.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the profound impact of this incident on the aviation sector. The tragic loss of so many lives demands a thorough investigation and a reevaluation of our safety protocols to prevent such calamities in the future. Our commitment remains to provide transparent reporting while prioritizing public safety.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crash of Air India flight AI-171?
The crash is currently under investigation, with possibilities including catastrophic loss of thrust, bird strikes, or engine failure being considered.
How many people were on board flight AI-171?
There were 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots.
What are the implications of this crash for aviation safety?
This incident has reignited discussions on air safety protocols and may lead to further investigations and potential changes in regulations.
Has the black box been recovered?
Yes, investigators have successfully recovered the black box, which is crucial for understanding the events leading to the crash.
How does this incident compare to past aviation disasters in India?
This crash marks one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India since the 2010 Mangaluru crash, which claimed 158 lives.
