The crash of Flight AI171 into a residential zone has reignited safety concerns at Indian airports near wildlife zones. An expert says a bird hit may have caused engine failure seconds after takeoff.
BY PC Bureau
As Ahmedabad grapples with the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which claimed several lives, speculation is mounting that a bird strike or technical failure may have contributed to the disaster. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the Meghaninagar residential area at 1:38 PM IST on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after striking an airport perimeter wall shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. As rescue operations continue and the city mourns, aviation experts are pointing to a possible bird strike as a key factor in the catastrophic event.
The aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, issued a brief MAYDAY call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control, plummeting into Shahibaug’s Ghoda Camp and IGB Compound near Forensic Cross Road. The crash ignited a massive fire, fueled by the plane’s heavy load for its transcontinental flight, leaving a trail of destruction in the densely populated area. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital so far confirmed 47 fatalities as of 2:30 PM IST, with over 80 others injured, many in critical condition. Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose status remains unknown, deepening the tragedy’s toll.
Aviation expert Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, speaking to a television channel, speculated that a bird strike could have triggered the disaster. “This could happen due to bird hit,” he told the channel, noting that “one multiple bird hit could have caused the disaster because the flight could not climb up second after take off.” Bhatnagar explained that a significant bird strike, particularly involving multiple birds, could damage critical systems like engines or control surfaces, preventing the aircraft from gaining altitude and leading to the collision with the perimeter wall. While unconfirmed, his remarks have fueled discussions about the role of wildlife hazards at Ahmedabad’s airport, located near areas known for bird activity.
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Air India flight AI-171 to London, Plane Crash during takeoff in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. ~242 passengers on board.Thick smoke reported; fire brigade, emergency teams on site. Cause unknown, injuries reported. Rescue ops ongoing. #Ahmedabad #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/AExntYfdBy
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) June 12, 2025
Other aviation experts don’t rule out that technical problems with the engine itself. “This couyld be one of the reasons , though I would not like to speculate on it now,” said Captain Kabit Malik.
Rescue efforts remain intense, with three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, local fire brigades, and police battling smoldering wreckage and toxic smoke. The fire has been largely contained, but unstable debris continues to hamper operations. Survivors have described a “sudden jolt” followed by an explosion, aligning with the possibility of a bird strike disrupting the aircraft’s systems. Over 80 injured individuals have been rushed to hospitals, and the death toll is feared to rise as rescuers access deeper sections of the wreckage.
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Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, on-site since 2:45 PM IST, called the crash a “devastating tragedy” and promised a thorough investigation. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is coordinating with responders, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on X, stating, “The loss of lives in Ahmedabad is heart-wrenching. We stand with the families of the victims, and our government is fully mobilized to assist.” Air India activated a toll-free helpline (1800-XXX-XXXX) at 2:30 PM IST for families seeking information, urging the public to avoid speculation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recovered the flight’s black boxes and is analyzing them in Delhi. While Captain Bhatnagar’s bird strike theory is gaining traction, the DGCA has cautioned against premature conclusions, noting that a tail strike or mechanical failure remains under consideration. A six-member investigative team, led by Joint Director General G.S. Bedi, is working with Air India and Boeing experts, with the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch expected to assist. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANW and in service since 2014, had no reported maintenance issues, but its records are being reviewed.
The crash has devastated Meghaninagar, damaging homes and infrastructure in Ghoda Camp and IGB Compound. Dozens of residents have been evacuated, with temporary shelters set up in local schools. The Gujarat government announced ex gratia payments of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased, with further relief measures pending. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed, with flights diverted to Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai, and roads to the airport are sealed, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Social media, particularly X, is flooded with grief, with hashtags like #AhmedabadCrash and #AirIndiaTragedy trending. Videos of the wreckage and tributes to the 47 confirmed victims dominate feeds, alongside speculation about the bird strike theory. Public figures, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have offered condolences, while Ahmedabad Police have warned against spreading unverified claims.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about aviation safety, particularly bird strike risks at airports near urban and wildlife-prone areas. Comparisons to the 1988 Indian Airlines Flight 113 crash in Ahmedabad have prompted calls for enhanced wildlife management and runway safety protocols. As rescue operations continue into the evening under floodlights, the DGCA anticipates a preliminary report within 48 hours, though a full investigation may take months. For now, Ahmedabad mourns the loss of at least 47 lives, with the nation anxiously awaiting answers to this heartbreaking disaster.
