Satellite View Reveals Path of Air India Plane: From Takeoff to Crash Site in Ahmedabad

As investigators and the public seek answers about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, satellite imagery has emerged as a crucial tool for understanding the sequence of events. High-resolution satellite photos now provide a clear view of the area where the plane took off and the field where it ultimately crashed, helping authorities reconstruct the flight’s final moments.

The Takeoff: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

The ill-fated Air India Boeing 787 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, located in the northeastern part of Ahmedabad. Satellite images of the airport show its two main runways, extensive taxiways, and adjacent terminals bustling with activity. On the day of the crash, the plane departed from the main runway, heading eastward as per its scheduled flight path.

The Crash Site: Open Field Beyond the City

Just minutes after takeoff, the aircraft veered off course. Satellite images reveal the crash site as an open field approximately 3 kilometers northeast of the airport’s perimeter. The area is characterized by sparse vegetation, farmland, and a few scattered structures. The satellite view shows a large, scorched patch of earth where the plane impacted, surrounded by emergency vehicles and rescue teams working amid the debris.

Path Reconstruction

Using satellite data, aviation experts have been able to map the short but tragic journey of the aircraft. The plane’s path can be traced from the end of the main runway, over a residential zone, and then abruptly ending in the open field. The images show the proximity of the crash site to the airport, highlighting how quickly the situation escalated after takeoff.

Importance of Satellite Imagery

Satellite images are playing a vital role in the investigation. They help:

Pinpoint the exact location of the crash for ground teams.
Assess the damage to the surrounding area.
Analyze the flight path to determine possible causes, such as engine failure or loss of control.
Coordinate rescue and recovery operations by providing a bird’s-eye view of the terrain.

Public Reaction

The release of satellite images has brought home the scale of the tragedy for many. Social media is filled with before-and-after photos showing the once-quiet field now marked by devastation. For families of the victims, these images are a stark reminder of the disaster but also offer some clarity on what happened that fateful morning.

Looking Forward

As the investigation continues, satellite views will be used alongside data from the plane’s black box and eyewitness accounts to piece together a full picture of the crash. The hope is that such advanced tools will not only help explain this tragedy but also improve aviation safety in the future.