A London-bound Air India flight, Dreamliner AI-171, carrying 242 passengers, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The Boeing 787 aircraft was headed to London when it reportedly went down near a residential area in the city’s Meghani Nagar locality, triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Crash details and MAYDAY call
According to preliminary information, the aircraft crash-landed near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area in Ahmedabad, prompting immediate deployment of rescue teams including firefighters, medical personnel, and security forces. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft had taken off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST. Moments after departure, the flight crew issued a MAYDAY call — an internationally recognized distress signal used by pilots during life-threatening emergencies.
The flight was being commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who made the urgent MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), indicating that the aircraft had encountered a sudden and critical problem shortly after takeoff.
What is a MAYDAY Call?
A MAYDAY call is an aviation emergency code used when an aircraft is in serious trouble. When a pilot declares MAYDAY, it signals an immediate danger requiring urgent assistance. Once issued, all non-essential radio communication must cease, and ATC gives the distressed aircraft top priority.
Emergency protocols activated
Upon receiving the MAYDAY call, airport and city emergency protocols were instantly activated. Firefighters, ambulances, and police units were rushed to the crash site to begin rescue and containment operations. The situation remains fluid as first responders work through the wreckage.
As authorities begin investigating the cause of the crash, all attention now turns to locating the aircraft’s black boxes, which are critical to understanding what happened in the final moments of the flight.
What is a Black Box?
Despite the name, black boxes are actually bright orange for visibility and are engineered to withstand high-impact crashes, intense fires, and deep-water pressure. Every commercial aircraft is equipped with two black boxes:
Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Records key flight parameters like altitude, speed, engine performance, and flight trajectory. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Captures all sounds in the cockpit, including pilot conversations, alarms, radio transmissions, and ambient engine or warning noises.
Why are black boxes crucial?
These recorders provide a second-by-second account of the events leading up to a crash, offering investigators a clear and objective view of what transpired. They reveal whether pilots attempted any recovery maneuvers, if automated warning systems were triggered, and whether emergency procedures were followed.
In crashes where there are no survivors or when physical evidence is damaged beyond recognition, the black box is often the only source of reliable information.
Ongoing search and investigation
Search teams are currently combing through the crash site to locate the black boxes, which could be key to determining the cause of the tragic incident. The orange devices are designed to survive extreme conditions and are equipped with beacons to assist in recovery.
Authorities believe the data retrieved from these recorders will help not only in understanding the root cause of the crash but also in preventing similar incidents in the future. As rescue efforts continue, the nation awaits further updates on the condition of the passengers and the outcome of the investigation.
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