Ahmedabad Plane Crash | Air Plane Crash: Final Moments In 5 Minutes

.

.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash | Airplane Crash: Final Moments in 5 Minutes

In a chilling sequence of just five minutes, what was supposed to be a routine international flight turned into a horrifying disaster. On the early morning of June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff, claiming 242 lives, including passengers, pilots, and crew members.

This article breaks down the final moments of the ill-fated flight — from takeoff to tragedy — in just five minutes.

1:38 AM – The Takeoff

Flight AI-171 took off from Ahmedabad International Airport at exactly 1:38 AM. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, had already completed a leg of the journey from Delhi and was now preparing to continue on to London. On board were:

230 passengers

2 pilots

10 cabin crew members

The aircraft had recently undergone routine checks at Ahmedabad and was cleared for departure.

1:40 AM – Smoke Detected

Just two minutes into the flight, smoke was detected coming from one of the engines. According to preliminary sources, passengers seated near the rear noticed an unusual noise and a burning smell. Within seconds, the cockpit also received alerts signaling a critical malfunction.

The situation rapidly escalated.

1:41 AM – Mayday Call Issued

Captain Sumit Sabharwal, the senior pilot on duty, immediately initiated a Mayday call—an international aviation distress signal. The purpose of the Mayday call was to inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the aircraft was in severe distress, with passengers and crew in potential danger.

This call is considered the most urgent communication in aviation. It is only used when the safety of the aircraft is severely compromised and immediate help is needed.

The pilot reportedly said:
“This is Air India One Seven One declaring Mayday… engine fire… requesting emergency landing clearance.”

But time was not on their side.

1:42 AM – Rapid Loss of Control

Within a minute of the Mayday call, the situation worsened. The aircraft began losing altitude rapidly. Pilots attempted an emergency turn to return to the airport, but the aircraft’s controls were no longer responding effectively.

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing a glowing object in the sky, trailing smoke, followed by a sharp nosedive. Some even described hearing a loud explosion moments before the crash.

1:43 AM – Communication Lost

ATC attempted to respond to the Mayday signal, but no further communication was received from the cockpit. By the time the controllers tried to establish contact again, the aircraft had already gone off radar.

Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the projected crash location.

1:44 AM – Impact

The aircraft crashed near a sparsely populated area just outside Ahmedabad. The impact was so severe that the plane broke apart on collision, followed by a massive fire.

Despite the swift arrival of rescue teams, no survivors were found. The intensity of the crash and subsequent fire made recovery operations extremely difficult.

Investigation and Aftermath

The black box—which contains the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—has since been recovered and is under investigation by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with international aviation experts and Boeing representatives.

Possible causes being explored include:

Engine failure or fire

Mechanical malfunction

Sensor or system error

Fuel line ignition

Authorities have not ruled out any possibility yet. A full report is expected within 90 days.

National Response and Mourning

The nation is in shock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “a heartbreaking tragedy beyond words” and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. State and central governments have pledged financial assistance, while Air India has established helplines for affected families.

Vigils are being held across the country, as communities mourn the sudden and collective loss of so many lives.

A Reminder of Fragility

The final five minutes of Flight AI-171 are a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. From a peaceful takeoff to a catastrophic crash, the speed at which events unfolded left no time for rescue or response. It is also a reminder of the immense responsibility carried by those in aviation — every system, every second, every decision matters.

As investigations continue, one truth remains certain: the 242 lives lost in the Ahmedabad plane crash must never be reduced to just a statistic. Their stories deserve to be remembered, and their deaths must lead to changes that ensure the skies are safer for everyone.