Aviation experts believe a bird strike may have caused the devastating crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed 242 people in India. The Gatwick-bound flight, carrying 53 British nationals, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat yesterday.

According to the Daily Mail, video footage showed the plane rapidly descending into a residential area with landing gear deployed before exploding in a massive fireball upon impact.

Indian authorities have confirmed there were no survivors of the crash. Rescue workers reported recovering dozens of bodies from buildings that were struck by the aircraft as it came down in the Meghani area of the city.

Multiple bird strikes likely cause

Aviation experts examining the crash footage believe the most probable cause was a catastrophic loss of power during the critical takeoff phase. Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, pointed to evidence suggesting both engines may have failed simultaneously.

"The takeoff was perfect," Bhatnagar told NDTV. "And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift."

Flight data revealed the aircraft reached an altitude of just 625 feet before beginning its fatal descent. The plane's landing gear remained deployed during its descent, further suggesting a sudden emergency situation that prevented the pilots from completing normal post-takeoff procedures.

Crash devastated residential area

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, causing extensive damage. Remnants of the aircraft's fuselage and landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in what appeared to be a canteen building.

"The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area and will clear the rest soon," a senior police officer told reporters. Eyewitnesses described seeing people jumping from the upper floors of the building to escape the inferno.

One resident who witnessed the crash said: "Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames."

Investigation underway amid Boeing scrutiny

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the aircraft's black box. The crash is expected to draw intense scrutiny as it involves Boeing, a manufacturer already facing safety concerns.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved was approximately 11 years old, making it unlikely that age-related maintenance issues were a factor. Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flight experience, was in command, with First Officer Clive Kundar serving as co-pilot.

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that a bird strike "would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift. If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling."

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, emergencies can and do occur. This tragic event highlights several key lessons:

1. Be vigilant during takeoff and landing: These are the most critical phases of flight. Listen carefully to flight attendants’ safety instructions, and keep your seatbelts fastened at all times.

2. Know your environment onboard and in terminals: Familiarize yourself with exits and emergency procedures. Even frequent flyers should stay alert to instructions.

3. Don’t assign blame to victims in tragedies: No matter how prepared a passenger or crew member may be, unforeseen technical or environmental issues can override all safety measures. The responsibility for crash prevention lies primarily with system-wide safeguards, not individuals onboard.

Why This Story Matters

This disaster is a wake-up call for both aviation regulators and the public due to its suddenness and the complete lack of survivors. It underscores the importance of prompt mechanical audits, bird control near airfields, and transparent international investigations. With crash sites extending into urban residential buildings, this story matters not just for air travelers but also for ordinary citizens who live near flight paths. The nationwide mourning and international solidarity further show how air incidents cross borders and affect communities around the world.

Conclusion

Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing all 242 people onboard, including 53 British passengers. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner descended quickly after reaching only 625 feet, slamming into a populated neighborhood and setting buildings ablaze. Experts believe the crash was likely due to a sudden power loss, possibly from bird strikes, engine failure, or aerodynamic stall. Weather has been ruled out, and international investigators have joined India’s efforts to uncover the truth. The tragedy has drawn worldwide attention, heartfelt condolences from leaders, and calls for improved aviation safety procedures.