Mumbai | June 14, 2025 — Aviation experts on Friday stressed that only a comprehensive investigation will reveal the true cause behind the deadly crash of Air India flight AI 171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
The aircraft, operated by Tata Group-owned Air India, crashed into the residential quarters of a medical college shortly after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history.
“Yes, the accident took place, but why it took place will need a full investigation,” said Jitendra Bhargava, former Executive Director of Air India.
“I’m not going to hazard a guess or speculate that it could have possibly been a bird hit or a technical issue or pilot error. Let’s wait for the proper, objective investigation to conclude.”
Bhargava pointed out that this is the first major crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that has, despite past technical controversies, maintained a generally strong record in commercial aviation.
Aviation consultant Sarosh Damania, of Sarosh Damania & Co., called the incident “unfortunate” and emphasized the importance of black box data to uncover the truth.
“At the time of takeoff itself, the aircraft descended and crashed. Whether it was a flap issue or engine failure — we cannot speculate,” Damania said.
“The Boeing 787 is a highly advanced aircraft, equipped with numerous sensors, automation, and flight monitoring systems. The black box will provide a complete picture.”
He reiterated that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) will be crucial in understanding what went wrong.
Both experts urged against premature speculation, warning that assumptions could mislead the public and hinder a fair investigation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has already begun its probe. A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks, but the full findings may take months to complete.