Final Moments of Air India Flight AI-171: A Timeline

Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing hundreds. The plane crashed into BJ Medical College housing, sparking a large fire. The incident timeline reveals a series of critical moments in the flight’s last seconds, leading to numerous investigative questions about the causes of the crash.

The tragic incident involving Air India Flight AI-171 unfolded on Thursday when the flight, after takeoff from Ahmedabad, crashed mere seconds into the journey, leading to a shocking loss of life and extensive damage in the area. Initial reports indicate that the plane crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College, tragically impacting the housing for doctors and medical staff located in proximity to the airport.

In terms of the timeline, at 1:30 PM the flight began to push back from its loading bay at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Shortly thereafter, at 1:31 PM, the aircraft began moving towards the active runway, and by 1:34 PM it was cleared by air traffic services to line up on Runway 28, initiating the take-off sequence amidst anticipation from those on board.

The takeoff occurred at 1:38:40 PM, right after the final pre-flight checks were completed. Just seconds after leaving the ground, the pilot issued a desperate ‘Mayday’ distress call, indicating a full emergency situation. By 1:38:55 PM, the aircraft ascended to an altitude of 625 feet and reached a peak speed of 174 knots before a rapid descent began, as per Flightradar24 data.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the airplane enter a shallow descent shortly afterward, its nose elevated, as it appeared to struggle in its climb. In videos captured during the event, viewers noted the plane flying low with its landing gear extended—often a sign of an emergency. The situation turned catastrophic merely moments later, as the aircraft went out of sight and subsequently erupted into flames upon impact with the residential complex.

As the investigation into the crash gets underway, a multitude of questions loom over the causes of this dreadful accident. Experts in aviation are inclined to thoroughly analyze data obtained from the flight’s black boxes, alongside assessing equipment, crew performance, ground operations, and the maintenance records of the aircraft. Investigators are particularly interested in determining sources of power loss—whether it was a dual engine failure, an issue with thrust, or potentially contaminated fuel.

Additional concerns include whether foreign object debris, like a bird strike during takeoff, contributed to the crash, as well as any electrical system failures. Another critical aspect investigators will look into is the plane’s flaps and landing gear positioning during its final moments, ensuring they were appropriate. Furthermore, the recent maintenance history and the aircraft’s fuel and weight parameters at takeoff will be scrutinized closely to yield answers about this tragic event.

Air India Flight AI-171’s crash shortly after takeoff has cast a shadow over the aviation community, raising numerous questions about safety protocols and mechanical integrity. Investigators will delve into every aspect of the flight—from technical data to operational procedures—as they attempt to reconstruct the events leading to this heartbreaking disaster. With hundreds lost, the urgency to discover the root causes of the crash is paramount.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com