Air India Flight 171 Crash: A Detailed Timeline of Tragedy

Air India Flight AI-171 crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing hundreds. The crisis unfolded rapidly, with the plane making a distress call just seconds into the flight. Investigators are looking into various factors, including possible mechanical failures and operational procedures, as they seek answers to what went wrong during the flight.

Air India Flight AI-171 tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad on Thursday, resulting in a devastating loss of life and igniting a fire within a medical complex. This ill-fated flight, which was destined for London, came to an abrupt end just 33 seconds into its takeoff, with numerous eyewitness accounts and flight data contributing to the collated timeline of events leading up to the incident.

At 1:30 PM, Flight AI-171 commenced its push-back from the loading bay at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. A mere minute later, the aircraft began its taxi toward the active runway, gradually making its way for takeoff. By 1:34 PM, the aircraft was cleared by air traffic control, aligning on Runway 28.

The flight progressed with its final pre-takeoff checks, and at 1:38:40 PM, the Dreamliner took off. Shortly after gaining altitude, at approximately 1:38:45 PM, the pilot issued a distress call, signaling a full emergency. Unfortunately, within seconds, the aircraft climbed to 625 feet and achieved a speed of 174 knots before it rapidly began to descend, as indicated by Flightradar24 data.

Eyewitness recordings from 1:39:13 PM show the aircraft entering a shallow descent with its nose pitched upwards while extending its landing gear—clear indicators of emergency protocols in motion. The footage captured the moment before the aircraft disappeared from view, only to explode in a massive fireball upon crashing into the BJ Medical College’s residential area, where numerous doctors and medical staff reside.

Investigations into this tragic crash have begun, and aviation experts are poised to explore several critical aspects to determine the cause. Investigators will analyze data from the plane’s black boxes, evaluate crew performance, inspect maintenance records, and examine the operational procedures on the ground.

Among the pressing inquiries are whether the aircraft suffered a power loss or a dual engine failure, and the potential for contaminated fuel causing issues. Questions surrounding the possibility of foreign object debris during takeoff or faults in electrical systems are also high on the list. Additionally, investigators will want to know why the aircraft’s flaps were retracted while the landing gear was still extended in its final moments, as well as whether the fuel and weight parameters were within acceptable limits during takeoff.

In summary, Air India Flight AI-171 met a tragic fate just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, leading to a catastrophic crash that resulted in numerous fatalities. Investigators are set to delve into various aspects of the crash as they try to piece together the circumstances that led to this disaster. The focus will largely be on determining the causes, including mechanical issues, operational decisions, and maintenance records.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com