Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Possible Causes
By: Dr. Dharmahinder Singh Chand
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals—232 passengers and 10 crew members.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board and confirmed dead. The Incident shocked the nation, leading to a thorough investigation by aviation authorities.
While the final report is still awaited, preliminary analysis points towards several possible technical failures that may have contributed to the tragic accident. The key suspected causes include engine failure, insufficient fuel supply, malfunctioning flaps, and malfunctioning elevators.
- Engine Failure
Engine failure is often one of the most critical issues leading to crashes. If the aircraft’s engine suddenly loses power or stops working, it drastically affects the plane’s ability to maintain altitude and speed. Investigators are examining whether the Ahmedabad plane suffered a mechanical breakdown or external factors that led to engine trouble during flight
- Insufficient Fuel Supply
Another potential cause under scrutiny is inadequate fuel supply. Running low on fuel can force pilots to make emergency landings or cause complete engine shutdown. Investigators are checking fuel records and flight data to determine if the aircraft had sufficient fuel to safely complete its journey.
- Malfunctioning of Flaps
Flaps are movable panels on the wings that help control lift and drag, especially during take-off and landing. If the flaps malfunction, the aircraft might struggle with proper speed control or fail to generate enough lift, leading to unstable flight conditions. This malfunction could have played a role in the loss of control experienced by the plane.
- Malfunctioning Elevators
Elevators control the pitch of the aircraft, allowing it to climb or descend. A malfunctioning elevator can severely affect an aircraft’s manoeuvrability. If the elevators were unresponsive or stuck, the pilots would have found it extremely difficult to stabilize the plane during critical moments.
Conclusion
While the Ahmedabad plane crash investigation is ongoing, these possible causes highlight the complexity of aircraft operations and the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety protocols. The aviation community awaits the detailed investigation report to better understand what went wrong and how future incidents can be prevented.
(The author is a Professor and Head, Aerospace Engineering, Chandigarh University)
