A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 204 people and shattering the aircraft’s flawless 14-year safety record.
At a Glance
- It was the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 since its 2011 debut
- The crash killed at least 204 on board and 5 students on the ground, injuring 41
- One passenger survived, seated in 11A
- The FAA, NTSB, and India’s DGCA are jointly investigating
- The Dreamliner fleet has a history of non-fatal incidents, including battery and wiring issues
A Catastrophic First for Boeing’s Flagship
On June 12, Air India Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, but within seconds, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost control and slammed into the dining hall of B.J. Medical College. Among the 242 passengers and crew, 204 died instantly or shortly thereafter, along with five students on the ground, while 41 others were injured in one of the deadliest crashes in recent Indian aviation history.
This was the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 since the aircraft’s launch in 2011. For over a decade, the Dreamliner had maintained an unblemished record—over five million flights without a single fatality, despite earlier design setbacks.
From “Dreamliner” to Nightmare
Investigators are now focusing on what could have gone catastrophically wrong. Preliminary data suggests a possible engine failure or misconfiguration, though formal findings will take months. The FAA, NTSB, and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are working in tandem, with American technical experts already in India to assist local agencies.
The Dreamliner was no stranger to safety concerns. In 2013, the fleet was grounded globally after lithium-ion battery fires aboard multiple aircraft led to emergency landings. More recently, in 2024, the FAA mandated inspections after discovering seat actuator malfunctions that could interfere with pilot controls during flight. Additionally, the 787 had previously suffered from autopilot dive incidents and engine wiring issues, although none had resulted in fatalities—until now.
Aviation in Crisis Mode
Beyond the human toll, the crash sends tremors across the global aviation sector. The 787 is considered a workhorse of modern long-haul fleets, with over 1,100 units in operation worldwide. Experts say a prolonged investigation could lead to temporary groundings, insurance reevaluations, and potential impacts on Boeing’s already strained reputation.
The sole survivor—a British passenger seated in 11A—was pulled from the wreckage conscious, a detail that has already prompted speculation about structural anomalies and survivability zones within the aircraft.
With both India and U.S. aviation authorities under pressure, this disaster may permanently reshape how the industry approaches “next-gen” aircraft safety. For now, a mourning nation and a shaken global airline community await answers.
