PTIAn Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew."Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar: Directorate General of Civil Aviation," DGCA said in a statement.
The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
According to preliminary information provided by air traffic control (ATC), the flight departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (0809 UTC). Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, signalling a critical emergency. However, no further communication was received from the aircraft after the distress call.
The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
According to preliminary information provided by air traffic control (ATC), the flight departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (0809 UTC). Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, signalling a critical emergency. However, no further communication was received from the aircraft after the distress call.
The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter, moments after departure. Witnesses and airport officials reported seeing heavy black smoke billowing from the crash site. Air India and aviation authorities are expected to release further details after rescue and recovery operations are completed.
