The final moments of Air India Flight 171 ended in tragedy when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
Just 11 seconds into the flight, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal sent a chilling mayday call reporting engine failure and loss of thrust.
The plane quickly lost altitude and smashed into a residential area, killing nearly everyone onboard and causing casualties
on the ground. Authorities have launched an investigation, considering mechanical failure and bird strikes as possible causes.
Captain Sabharwal, a veteran pilot nearing retirement, had made a heartfelt promise to his elderly father just days before the crash
— to take a break and spend time together. Tragically, that reunion never happened. Alongside Sabharwal, First Officer Clive Kunder
and several cabin crew members also lost their lives. Families awaiting calls from loved ones were instead confronted with devastating news.
The crash site, a hostel at B.J. Medical College housing dozens of students, suffered severe damage. Rescue workers found many injured and missing,
with local hospitals admitting dozens of victims. Emergency teams continue searching through rubble amid dangerous conditions,
while the community mourns the loss and awaits answers. The disaster has deeply impacted Mumbai, where many crew members were based.
Flight AI171 carried passengers of multiple nationalities, including Indians, British, Canadians, and Portuguese. The aircraft lost contact with
air traffic control within minutes after takeoff under calm weather conditions. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as smoke billowed over
Ahmedabad. Officials stress that the full toll and exact cause will take time to determine, as grief and investigations continue.