Air India Flight 171 Crash: Timeline of Final Moments

Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, resulting in hundreds of deaths and a massive fire at BJ Medical College. The timeline reveals the plane took off at 1:38:40 PM, issued a distress call seconds later, and crashed within 33 seconds of takeoff, prompting an urgent investigation into the causes, including potential engine failure and maintenance issues.

In a tragic incident on Thursday, Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, heading for London. The plane, a Dreamliner, plummeted into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College, claiming hundreds of lives and igniting a massive fire in the hospital complex. The timeline, pieced together from Flightradar data, eyewitness accounts, and various videos, lays bare the last moments of this ill-fated flight.

At 1:30 PM, Flight AI-171 pushed back from the loading bay at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. By 1:31 PM, it was in motion toward the active runway. Then at 1:34 PM, after being cleared by air traffic services, the aircraft began to line up on Runway 28, ready for takeoff. Following the final pre-flight checks, the flight started taxiing at 1:38:24 PM.

Just 16 seconds later, at 1:38:40 PM, the aircraft lifted off. However, moments after takeoff, the pilot issued a distress call, declaring a full emergency. Eyewitness accounts describe the aircraft reaching an altitude of 625 feet, a top speed of 174 knots, before it began to rapidly descend, as noted by Flightradar24 data.

At 1:39:13 PM, Flight AI-171 entered a shallow descent, its nose pitched upwards. Videos from onlookers captured the plane flying low with landing gear extended—indicative of emergency procedures. In a heartbreaking turn, the aircraft disappeared from view before igniting into a devastating fireball upon crashing into the nearby residential area.

In the wake of this disaster, aviation experts are honing in on crucial questions as investigators dive into examining the crash. The investigation teams will be looking into various aspects, using data from the black boxes. There are several lines of inquiry the authorities might pursue. First, did the aircraft experience a power loss? If so, what caused it? Was this a dual engine failure or just a severe thrust loss?

There’s also the possibility of contaminated fuel being a factor, or perhaps the plane was struck by a bird during takeoff. Investigators may need to assess any electrical system failures, too. Another crucial point is why the flaps, which generate lift, were retracted while the landing gear remained extended during those final moments.

Additionally, the aircraft’s recent maintenance records will come under scrutiny. It’s vital to check if take-off fuel and weight parameters were within the acceptable range. Each detail could be pivotal in understanding how such a tragedy unfolded in mere seconds.

Air India Flight AI-171 experienced a devastating crash just 33 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, leading to catastrophic loss of life. As the investigation unfolds, experts are looking into many critical questions—ranging from possible engine failure to maintenance records. The swift sequence of events paints a grim picture, emphasizing the urgency of a thorough investigation to uncover the causes behind this tragic aviation incident.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com