Why the Air India Pilot Said ‘MAYDAY’: Meaning & Chilling Final Moments of AI-171 | Ahmedabad Crash

Ahmedabad, India —
The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad has left the nation in mourning and raised critical questions about the final, frantic moments before disaster struck. Among the haunting details that have emerged is the pilot’s desperate call: “MAYDAY.” But what does this word really mean, and what happened in those final seconds?

What Does ‘MAYDAY’ Mean?

‘MAYDAY’ is the internationally recognized distress signal used by pilots and mariners to indicate a life-threatening emergency. Derived from the French “m’aidez” (help me), it is repeated three times—“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”—to ensure clarity over radio transmissions. When a pilot utters this word, it signals that immediate assistance is needed and that the situation is critical.

The Final Moments of AI-171

According to preliminary reports from aviation authorities, Air India Flight AI-171 was approaching Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, on a routine flight when it encountered severe technical difficulties. The cockpit voice recorder captured the crew’s tense communications as alarms sounded and warning lights flashed.

The Chilling Sequence

2 minutes before impact: The aircraft’s systems detected a major malfunction. Pilots attempted standard emergency procedures, but the situation rapidly deteriorated.
1 minute before impact: The plane began losing altitude uncontrollably. The captain contacted air traffic control, declaring, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. Engine failure. Request immediate landing clearance.”
30 seconds before impact: The pilots fought to stabilize the aircraft, but the controls were unresponsive. The co-pilot’s voice was calm but urgent: “Unable to maintain altitude. Attempting emergency landing.”
Final seconds: The plane clipped a building on the outskirts of Ahmedabad Medical College before crashing in an open field. The last words recorded from the cockpit were, “Brace for impact.”

The Aftermath

Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the devastation was severe. Investigators are now piecing together the sequence of events, analyzing black box data, and interviewing survivors and witnesses.

Why the ‘MAYDAY’ Call Matters

The pilot’s use of ‘MAYDAY’ was a crucial step that triggered an immediate emergency response. It alerted air traffic controllers and ground teams to the seriousness of the situation, ensuring that rescue operations were mobilized even before the crash occurred.

Lessons and Legacy

While the full investigation is ongoing, aviation experts emphasize the importance of communication and quick decision-making in emergencies. The courage and professionalism displayed by the AI-171 crew in their final moments are being recognized as they did everything possible to save lives.

Conclusion

The haunting ‘MAYDAY’ call from Air India Flight AI-171 will be remembered as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by pilots and passengers alike. As the investigation continues, the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will make the skies safer for everyone.