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DGCA Probes Ahmedabad Plane Crash; Suspected Bird Strike Took Out Both Engines
Babushahi Bureau
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A major air tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Wednesday when an Air India Boeing 787 aircraft (VT-ANB), operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (UK), crashed shortly after takeoff, killing several people and causing widespread devastation.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (08:09 UTC). Soon after departure, the pilots issued a MAYDAY call but failed to respond to further communications from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Moments later, the plane plummeted to the ground just beyond the airport perimeter, erupting in flames and thick black smoke.
Tragically, the aircraft crashed directly into the BJ Medical College undergraduate hostel mess in the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in multiple fatalities, including MBBS students present at the crash site.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. It was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a long-term captain (LTC) with 8,200 flying hours, accompanied by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of experience.
Initial reports indicate a suspected bird strike in both engines, leading to complete loss of power. The DGCA has launched a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Recovery teams, NDRF personnel, and medical responders were immediately deployed to the scene.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, but sources suggest a high toll given the impact zone within a residential and academic facility.
More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.