Air India crash causes first B787 full hull loss; descends -475 fpm

The Air India aircraft that crashed during takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport this afternoon, en route to London Gatwick, operating as flight AI171 with 242 passengers on board, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB.

Bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 36279, the aircraft first flew on 14 December 2013 and was 11.5 years old. It was delivered to Air India and entered service on 8 February 2014. The aircraft was powered by two General Electric GEnx-1B engines.

According to data from Flightradar24, the signal from the aircraft was lost at 08:08 UTC (13:38 IST). Prior to that, the aircraft had reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet, roughly 425 feet above the airport elevation of about 200 feet. It then began to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute.

The weather conditions were ideal at Ahmedabad International Airport, with visibility of 6,000 metres, wind from 250° at 7 knots, and a temperature of 37°C, according to the reports.

The aircraft departed from Runway 23. Moments later, it issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control. However, no further communication was received. The aircraft subsequently crashed outside the airport’s vicinity, impacting a medical college hostel.

Videos circulating on social media show that the aircraft’s landing gear remained extended, suggesting that the crash occurred shortly after takeoff.

Notably, the aircraft was almost fully loaded with fuel for the nearly nine-hour-long-haul flight to London Gatwick, where it was scheduled to arrive at 18:25 local time. There are no survivors from the accident except for one passenger seated in 11A.

What makes this accident particularly significant is that it marks the first complete hull loss of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and indeed, the first for the entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner family.

The Boeing 787 is widely regarded as a highly safe and efficient aircraft. It features a fly-by-wire control system and is the first commercial aircraft with an airframe made predominantly of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), used extensively in the fuselage, wings, empennage, doors, and other primary components. The aircraft is also known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, attributed to its advanced aerodynamics and more efficient engines.

As per Boeing’s latest order and delivery data as of 31 May 2025, the company has delivered a total of 28 Boeing 787 aircraft across all three variants, the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10. It currently holds firm orders for 180 additional 787-9 and 787-10 models, and an overall unfilled order backlog of approximately 948 Dreamliners, including all three variants.

Excluding the Boeing 787-8 involved in the accident, Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft, including 33 Boeing 787s. Of these, 30 are active in service while three are parked. The 787 fleet comprises 26 Boeing 787-8s and seven Boeing 787-9s, which previously belonged to and were operated by Vistara.

Notably, the airline is also set to receive its first Boeing 787-9 in the new Air India livery later this year.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Paris, operating as AI143 and also involving a Boeing 787-8 registered as VT-ANU, diverted back to Delhi mid-flight. Reports suggest that Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was on board, but the reason for the diversion is unknown.

In the meantime, Air India’s CEO has released a video statement addressing the ongoing situation.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has dispatched a team of investigators from Delhi to Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Boeing has issued a statement saying it is in contact with Air India regarding flight AI171 and stands ready to support the airline. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders, and all those affected,” the company said. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said it will lead a team of investigators traveling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India with its investigation into the crash.

We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected. pic.twitter.com/kYrdKyvl7z

— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) June 12, 2025