Fatal Crash of AI17

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171 operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed during take-off from Ahmedabad Airport, killing all but one passenger. The incident has triggered a wave of unverified media narratives, while experts urge reliance on black box data (DFDR & CVR) and international investigation agencies for factual clarity.

Technical Parameters and Suspected Sequence of Events

• Aircraft Performance vs. Environmental Conditions: Ahmedabad’s Runway 23, measuring 3,505 metres, had an effective length of only 2,764 metres on June 12 due to high temperatures (37°C) and atmospheric pressure (1000 hPa)—significantly affecting aircraft engine thrust and lift performance.
• Indications of Engine Failure During Take-Off: CCTV footage shows a rightward yaw of the aircraft immediately after nose-lift, suggesting engine failure. The take-off occurred near the runway end, and no retraction of landing gear was observed, increasing drag and possibly leading to stall.
• Deployment of Ram Air Turbine (RAT): Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest activation of RAT—a backup power source typically triggered during dual engine failure, pointing toward a serious power systems malfunction in early flight stages.

Comparative Precedent and Decision-Making Complexity

• Historical Parallel: IC571 Incident (1986): The Indian Airlines IC571 accident under similar conditions was due to a bird strike and engine vibration post-rotation; although the aircraft overran the runway, all 196 lives were saved. This provides a critical safety case study.
• Critical Decision Point: V1 Speed Consideration: The take-off safety speed (V1) is a decisive threshold; rejecting take-off post-V1 is risky. The AI171 captain had reached near the end of the runway before lifting off, indicating delayed rotation and a Hobson's choice in a critical moment.
• Role of Excess Weight and Hot Weather: Anecdotal evidence suggests excess cabin baggage, possibly adding 2 tons extra weight, combined with high temperature, further degraded engine performance—contributing to the unusually long take-off run.

Institutional Response, Media Ethics, and Public Trust

• Premature Media Theorization: Sensationalist coverage and speculative commentary on YouTube and social media platforms have spread misinformation, creating panic among air travellers without access to verified technical findings.
• Delayed Official Transparency in India: Although the DFDR and CVR have been recovered, India’s investigative bureaucracy delays data release, impeding timely analysis. Collaboration with NTSB (USA) and AAIB (UK) is underway for an authoritative report.
• Reaffirming Safety Record of the Boeing 787: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011, has an excellent 14-year safety record. Despite prior issues with the 737 MAX, the Dreamliner remains a highly trusted long-haul aircraft

Practice Question:

Q. The increasing role of digital media in aviation accident reporting raises concerns about public panic and misinformation. Critically examine the implications of premature media narratives in the aftermath of aviation disasters, with special reference to AI171 (2025). Also suggest institutional measures to ensure factual accuracy without compromising investigation confidentiality.   (250 words)