Experienced Crew on Board: AI-171 Pilots Had 9,300 Flying Hours Before Ahmedabad Crash

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 10 cabin crew members, along with 2 pilots.

The aircraft departed from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, but crashed approximately five minutes later, in the Meghaninagar area, within the premises of BJ Medical College.

Investigation Underway

While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation. According to PTI, the Director General and Director of Investigation of AAIB are en route to Ahmedabad to oversee the inquiry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and directed urgent rescue and relief operations. The airport, temporarily shut down following the crash, has now resumed operations.

Experienced Pilots on Board

The flight was captained by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. Together, they had over 9,300 hours of flying experience—8,200 hours by Sabharwal and 1,100 hours by Kundar.

According to initial reports, the cockpit crew issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call shortly after takeoff. However, sources indicate the call may not have received a response from Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Crash Site: Residential Damage and Casualties Feared

The aircraft went down in the residential quarters of BJ Medical College, causing significant damage to multiple buildings. Eyewitnesses told PTI that several five-story buildings caught fire, and numerous residents sustained injuries due to the impact and the subsequent blaze.

Footage from the crash site showed thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage, which landed just outside the airport perimeter. Emergency services, including fire brigades, police, and disaster response teams, continue to work at the scene.