Air India Crash Report: Dual Engine Failure Led to Ahmedabad Tragedy

 Air India Plane Crash Report: Engine Failure Blamed for Tragic Ahmedabad Crash

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – The skies over Ahmedabad turned dark on June 12 as tragedy struck an Air India Dreamliner flight shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. In one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian aviation history, over 260 people lost their lives when the aircraft crashed within minutes of being airborne.

Now, the preliminary findings of the investigation have been made public, and the early report paints a grim picture of mechanical failure and missed recovery opportunity.

Key Findings of the Preliminary Report

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released their first official report on the crash on July 11. The most alarming detail to emerge is that both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner shut down within two minutes of takeoff, causing the aircraft to lose thrust and rapidly descend before crashing into a field on the outskirts of the city.

According to the report:

• The aircraft's left engine experienced a sudden drop in oil pressure.
• The right engine also showed signs of compressor stall moments after.
• No successful engine restart was attempted, though protocols were initiated.
• The black box data revealed frantic efforts by the cockpit crew to regain control.
• The plane failed to achieve sufficient altitude or velocity to glide back to the runway.

The aircraft was carrying 274 passengers and 12 crew members. Only 23 people survived, many of whom are in critical condition.

Pilots' Final Communication: “We’ve lost both engines”

One of the most haunting elements of the report is the final transmission from the cockpit. Just 93 seconds after takeoff, the co-pilot is heard saying:
"We’ve lost both engines. Request immediate return. Mayday, Mayday."

Air traffic control attempted to guide the flight back for an emergency landing, but within seconds, radar contact was lost. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing flames from one side of the aircraft and then hearing a massive explosion.

The black box data also reveals the cockpit crew remained calm and composed, following checklist procedures, but were working against an impossible timeline.

Possible Causes Under Investigation

While the preliminary report confirms mechanical failure, the final cause is yet to be determined. Investigators are exploring the following:

• Fuel contamination or supply failure
• Engine manufacturing defect or design fault
• Maintenance issues or missed inspections
• Software malfunction in the Dreamliner's advanced flight systems

Boeing and Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer, are both cooperating fully with the investigation.

A detailed technical audit of the aircraft’s service record and flight systems is underway. Maintenance logs from the past 90 days will be examined closely for irregularities.

Reactions from Officials and Families

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia termed the incident a “national tragedy” and assured families that all efforts were being made to get to the truth.
“We will ensure that those responsible, whether individuals or organizations, are held accountable. Lives were lost, and we owe answers to the families,” he said in a statement.

Air India, now under Tata Group ownership, released an official apology and is offering compensation to the victims' families as per DGCA guidelines. CEO Campbell Wilson said, “We are devastated. Safety is our topmost priority and we will learn from this incident.”

Grieving families, however, are demanding more than just compensation — many have raised questions about aircraft age, maintenance quality, and pilot readiness.

Aviation Safety Concerns Raised

Aviation analysts have pointed out that while dual engine failure is extremely rare, the incident underscores a deeper concern about India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. With fleet sizes growing and pressure to meet demand, maintenance practices and pilot training are now under scrutiny.

Former DGCA official Arun Mishra noted, “It’s not about quantity but quality. One serious oversight in maintenance or training can have catastrophic consequences.”

The Indian Pilots’ Guild also issued a statement urging for stricter simulator training focused on emergency recovery from engine failures.

Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation

The final report from AAIB is expected within three to four months, after in-depth technical analysis, component testing, and international collaboration. Meanwhile:

• The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for forensic examination.
• Survivor testimonies are being recorded.
• The DGCA has ordered emergency inspections of all Dreamliners operating in India.

Until then, a dark cloud hangs over Indian aviation. The tragedy in Ahmedabad serves as a stark reminder that even in this age of advanced aircraft and automation, aviation safety remains a human responsibility at its core.

Conclusion

The Air India Dreamliner crash is more than just a mechanical failure — it's a wake-up call. For the families who lost loved ones, answers can't come soon enough. And for the aviation industry, the tragedy stands as a grim lesson: vigilance, transparency, and safety cannot ever be compromised.