The recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has sent shockwaves around the world, marking one of the worst aviation disasters in over a decade. The tragic incident claimed the lives of at least 240 individuals and left many more injured.

Officials are grappling with the aftermath of the crash, raising significant questions about how a Boeing aircraft with a strong safety record could meet such a fate shortly after take-off. Here is an overview of the events and possible causes surrounding the disaster.

Details of the Incident

The ill-fated Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 737-8 Dreamliner, departed from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London's Gatwick Airport at 1:38pm local time on Thursday. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft issued a distress call to local aviation authorities. Despite the emergency situation, the pilots failed to respond to air traffic control communications.

Flight data from flightradar24 indicates that the plane reached an altitude of 625 feet before descending. Tragically, the plane crashed into a heavily populated area of the city, colliding with the B.J. Medical College hostel.

Passengers and Victims

There were 242 individuals on board the flight, comprising passengers and crew members. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The crash claimed the lives of at least 240 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Despite the devastating loss of life, there were reports of a sole survivor, British national Ramesh Viswashkumar. He recounted the harrowing experience of the crash and subsequent rescue efforts.

Possible Causes of the Crash

Aviation experts are still investigating the factors that led to the tragic crash. Speculations range from a double engine failure to other mechanical issues. Experts like Guy Hirst and Julian Bray have highlighted the possibility of bird strikes or fuel starvation as potential causes.

Further analysis is required to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash. The investigation will focus on the aircraft's systems and configuration during the flight.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Overview

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the model involved in the crash, is a widely used twin-engine aircraft. This incident marks the first crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, raising concerns about its safety and reliability.

Boeing has expressed its condolences and pledged to cooperate with authorities in the investigation. The company's shares experienced a decline following the crash.

Ongoing Investigations and Recovery Efforts

Efforts are underway to recover the black box and decipher the events leading up to the crash. Indian aviation authorities are spearheading the investigation, with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board.

Interim findings are expected in the coming weeks, while a comprehensive report may take several months to complete. The process of identifying the victims is also underway, with DNA testing being utilized due to the condition of the bodies.

The tragic Air India plane crash has left a lasting impact on the aviation industry and raised critical questions about flight safety and emergency protocols.