Air India crash survivor from seat 11A recalls trouble began just 30 seconds after takeoff

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and was carrying 242 individuals, including crew members.

This tragic event marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—a long-haul aircraft renowned for its fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced passenger comfort.

According to data from flight tracking platform FlightAware, the aircraft departed at 1:55 pm—45 minutes behind its scheduled departure time of 1:10 pm. It crashed just minutes into the flight. Witnesses near the Meghani Nagar area, close to the airport, reported a powerful explosion followed by thick black smoke. Visuals from the site showed wreckage scattered across the locality. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, ambulance units, and NDRF teams, responded swiftly to the scene.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Air India acknowledged the incident:
“Flight AI171, operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, was involved in an incident on June 12, 2025. We are currently verifying details and will provide updates as they become available.”

The Union Civil Aviation Minister expressed deep concern and assured immediate action:
“Shocked and devastated by the crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I’m personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency agencies to act swiftly and in coordination. Rescue operations are underway, and every effort is being made to provide medical aid and relief. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

The Dreamliner: High-Tech Aircraft With a Checkered Past
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is considered one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in operation today. Made from carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials, the Dreamliner features reduced fuel consumption, larger dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity, and a quieter interior. The 787-8 variant, introduced in 2009, typically accommodates 242 passengers and has a range of over 13,500 kilometers.

Despite its modern design, the Dreamliner has been plagued by technical challenges and safety concerns over the years.

In 2013, the global Dreamliner fleet was grounded after two lithium-ion battery fires—one aboard a parked Japan Airlines plane in Boston and another that caused an in-flight emergency for All Nippon Airways in Japan. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted operations until Boeing overhauled the battery system.

More recently, in 2024, Boeing faced renewed scrutiny following testimony from company engineer and whistleblower Sam Salehpour. Speaking before the U.S. Senate, Salehpour alleged that structural flaws in the Dreamliner’s fuselage—such as poorly fastened sections and small gaps—could lead to premature fatigue or failure. The FAA opened an ongoing investigation into the matter.

The Dreamliner has also been involved in other safety-related incidents:

In March 2024, a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered a sudden drop in altitude mid-flight, injuring 50 passengers. Investigators later linked the event to a cockpit seat-switch malfunction.

Over the years, Dreamliner pilots have reported various technical issues, including engine icing, generator malfunctions, and fuel leaks—although until this incident, none had resulted in a fatal crash.