The cause of the Ahmedabad plane crash remains unclear. While exact reasons are yet to be officially confirmed, several indicators have emerged related to the crash of Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Notably, the aircraft’s landing gears had not been retracted at the time of the crash, leading aviation experts to suspect a possible engine failure.
The pilot had issued a distress call shortly before the accident, further suggesting mechanical trouble. Experts believe there may have been a hydraulic fluid failure and that the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing. Just moments before the crash, the pilot made a Mayday call, a distress signal used in life-threatening situations, to air traffic control.
Mayday calls are typically issued in emergencies involving adverse weather, mechanical failure, structural system malfunctions, or medical emergencies. However, weather conditions in Ahmedabad were reported to be favourable. This strengthens the widespread assumption that the crash was caused by an engine failure.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials have confirmed that the possibility of sabotage will also be explored. In the aftermath of the accident, five Air India flights from Ahmedabad, including the Ahmedabad–Delhi route, were cancelled.
The ill-fated flight was being piloted by a highly experienced captain with over 82,000 hours of flying experience. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued an official statement expressing grief over the tragedy. In a press release, he confirmed the crash of the Air India flight en route from Ahmedabad to London and extended condolences to the victims and their families. He stated that the airline’s immediate priority is to provide support to those affected and their families. An emergency helpline has been activated for families of passengers to receive updates and assistance.
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 52 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Chief Minister of Gujarat regarding the incident. The central government has assured full support in ongoing rescue and relief efforts. According to local media, many of the injured have been transported to nearby hospitals. DGCA officials have confirmed that a part of the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames.
Following the crash, authorities temporarily closed the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to ensure safety and manage emergency operations.
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