“Mayday, Falling!” — Inside the Final Moments of Air India’s Tragic Ahmedabad Crash

“Mayday, Falling!” — Inside the Final Moments of Air India’s Tragic Ahmedabad Crash

In one of the most heart-wrenching aviation disasters in India’s recent history, an Air India aircraft crashed just moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 241 people on board, including passengers and crew, and several others on the ground when the aircraft collided with a building. What has especially struck a chord with the nation are the pilot's final, haunting words: “Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”

The Tragic Flight: What We Know

The ill-fated flight, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was scheduled for a routine domestic journey from Ahmedabad to Delhi. Weather conditions were reported to be clear, visibility good, and all preliminary safety checks had been conducted. Passengers had boarded normally and takeoff clearance was granted at around 13:39 IST.

The aircraft rolled down the runway with what initially appeared to be a smooth start. But within seconds of takeoff, signs of trouble began to emerge.

Final Moments: The Pilot's Distress Call

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over two decades of flying experience, made the distress call barely a minute into the flight. According to air traffic control logs and black box recordings, his final message was brief but chilling:

“Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”

The declaration of “Mayday” signified an immediate, life-threatening emergency. In aviation terminology, repeating “Mayday” three times is a global standard that conveys a situation of utmost urgency—whether it's engine failure, onboard fire, or a catastrophic loss of control.

Captain Sabharwal's message was the last contact the aircraft had with air traffic control before radar and communication links were lost. Eyewitnesses say the plane seemed to rise, wobble, and then plummet almost vertically into a densely populated area.

The Crash Site: A City in Shock

The aircraft crashed into the hostel wing of a local medical college in Meghani Nagar, a bustling area in northern Ahmedabad. The impact was devastating. First responders described the scene as “a mangled, burning wreck” with little hope of survivors. Fire engines, ambulances, and disaster response teams were on-site within minutes, but by then, the fire had engulfed most of the fuselage.

The force of the crash and resulting fire led to structural collapses in nearby buildings, killing at least 11 people on the ground and injuring dozens more. The hospital facilities nearby were overwhelmed with casualties.

Eyewitness Accounts: “It Was Like a Thunderbolt”

Local residents were left in shock. Many described the sound of the descending aircraft as “like thunder” or “an explosion in the sky.” Ramesh Patel, a shopkeeper just 200 meters from the site, said:

“We heard a roaring noise that was not normal, like the engine was struggling. Then we saw the plane nose-diving. It was too fast, too sudden. The whole building shook.”

Others mentioned they had only seconds to react. Some rushed outside fearing an earthquake, only to find the air thick with smoke and screams filling the street.

Immediate Response: Government and Airline Reaction

Within hours, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India both issued statements confirming the crash and expressing their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, tweeted:

“Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. The nation stands united in this moment of grief.”

The Gujarat state government announced a high-level inquiry, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a formal investigation. Air India grounded its fleet of Boeing 787s temporarily for additional checks.

Initial Clues: What Went Wrong?

So far, evidence suggests that the aircraft failed to achieve the necessary thrust during takeoff. Aviation experts highlight several possibilities:

1.    Engine Malfunction: The captain's mention of “thrust not achieved” points toward a possible engine failure or power system anomaly.

2.    Fuel Contamination: Investigators are looking into whether contaminated fuel could have reduced engine efficiency at the critical moment of takeoff.

3.    Mechanical Faults: Technical records are being scrutinized for any signs of overlooked maintenance issues.

4.    Bird Strike: Though not confirmed, airports in India often struggle with bird activity. A bird strike during takeoff could have led to rapid engine failure.

Black Boxes: The Hunt for Answers

Both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—popularly known as black boxes—were recovered within 48 hours. The data is currently being analyzed by a joint team from DGCA, Boeing, and experts from the UK, where Rolls-Royce (the engine manufacturer) is based.

Initial readings confirm the final transmission and suggest a sharp loss of altitude after the aircraft barely reached 650 feet. The cockpit voice recorder has reportedly captured the crew discussing abnormal engine behavior even before the final call.

A Pilot’s Legacy: Captain Sabharwal

Captain Sabharwal, aged 52, was known in the aviation community for his professionalism and calm demeanor. Tributes poured in from colleagues who remember him as “unshakable in crises.” Many believe that even in his last seconds, he did everything possible to minimize the loss of life by steering the aircraft away from a more densely populated area.

His final Mayday call is being regarded as both a desperate cry for help and a signal that he remained focused on his duty until the end.

Families and Mourning: A Nation Grieves

Across India, families are mourning the sudden loss of loved ones. Emotional scenes unfolded at Ahmedabad and Delhi airports where relatives had gathered. Air India arranged counselors and support teams for next of kin and announced compensation of ₹15 lakh per deceased passenger, in addition to insurance payouts.

Memorials and candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad to honor the victims. Schoolchildren wrote letters of condolences. Entire communities came forward to support those affected.

Political and Public Reactions

While condolences were widespread, questions have also emerged over air safety protocols. Opposition leaders called for a parliamentary debate on aircraft maintenance standards and pilot workload. Civil society groups are pressing for more transparency in aviation audits and regulatory oversight.

Former DGCA officials have voiced concern about aging aircraft fleets and insufficient checks, particularly in budget-constrained government-owned airlines.

The Road Ahead: Aviation Safety Reforms?

This tragedy may serve as a turning point in Indian aviation safety. Some proposed actions in the aftermath include:

• Comprehensive engine and fuel system checks for all Boeing 787s in the country.
• Revising pilot training protocols, especially regarding emergency takeoff scenarios.
• Improved bird control mechanisms near airport runways.
• Public access to investigative reports once finalized, promoting transparency.

The DGCA has committed to releasing a full report within three months. Boeing and Rolls-Royce have also promised full cooperation.

A Sobering Reminder

The crash of Air India Flight 171 is not just an aviation incident—it is a human tragedy marked by fear, courage, and loss. The final words of Captain Sabharwal echo far beyond the cockpit:

“Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”

They are a stark reminder of the fragility of human life, the unpredictable nature of flight, and the extraordinary responsibility borne by those in the cockpit.