A comprehensive overview of significant Air India and Air India Express aviation incidents, their causes, and the ongoing efforts in ensuring flight safety.
Recent Developments: Air India Flight AI 171 Crash (Ahmedabad, June 2025)
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed moments after takeoff. This catastrophic incident resulted in 241 fatalities among the 242 people on board, and 19 casualties on the ground, making it one of India's deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades.
The **Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)** has launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. As of July 8, 2025, the AAIB has submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned authorities. While the definitive cause is still under review, initial findings based on flight recorders and expert analysis suggest a possible systems failure shortly after takeoff. Indications include:
- Failure of the landing gear retraction process.
- Deployment of the plane's emergency power generator, pointing towards a significant electrical, hydraulic, or engine power loss.
The investigation is ongoing, with experts from the Indian Air Force, HAL, NTSB (USA), Boeing, and GE involved. Compensation efforts by Air India and Tata Sons are underway for the victims' families.
Key Air India Express Incidents and Their Reports
Air India Express Flight 1344 (Kozhikode, August 2020)
On August 7, 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344, a Boeing 737-800 from Dubai, overran the runway upon landing at Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport in heavy rain. The aircraft plunged into a valley, splitting into pieces. This accident resulted in 21 fatalities, including both pilots, and numerous injuries.
The final report by the AAIB attributed the crash primarily to **non-adherence to standard operating procedures by the pilots**, particularly a delayed decision to initiate a go-around despite an unstabilized approach. The report also highlighted underlying systemic failures as contributing factors, including the characteristics of a tabletop runway and the lack of an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS).
Air India Express Flight 812 (Mangalore, May 2010)
On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Dubai, overshot the runway upon landing at Mangalore International Airport. The aircraft fell into a gorge and burst into flames, killing 158 of the 166 people on board.
The official investigation concluded that **pilot error** was the primary cause. The captain had continued an unstabilized approach, landing too far down the tabletop runway, and failed to initiate a timely go-around despite repeated calls from the first officer. The report also pointed to issues with the runway's design and lack of adequate safety features, similar to the concerns raised after the Calicut crash.
Historical Context of Air India Aviation Safety
Air India, being India's flag carrier, has had a long history, including some significant and tragic aviation incidents. Notable historical crashes include:
- Air India Flight 182 (Emperor Kanishka) Bombing (June 1985): A Boeing 747-237B was bombed mid-air off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 on board. This was an act of terrorism.
- Air India Flight 855 Crash (January 1978): A Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, killing all 213 on board. The cause was attributed to pilot spatial disorientation after an instrument failure.
These incidents, along with others, have consistently led to reviews and changes in aviation safety protocols, regulatory oversight by bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and international collaboration to enhance safety standards.
The Importance of Crash Reports
Aircraft accident reports are crucial for aviation safety. They provide detailed findings on the cause of accidents, allowing regulatory bodies, airlines, and manufacturers to implement corrective measures, improve aircraft design, refine pilot training, and enhance air traffic control procedures. The transparency of these reports is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring continuous improvement in the aviation industry.
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