Understanding the Ahmedabad-London Flight Tragedy: Facts and Possible Causes

A tragic aviation incident occurred when a Boeing 787 aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and reportedly former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

This article presents a factual and technically informed account of the incident based on initial data, expert observations, and standard aviation practices. The investigation is still underway, and all conclusions remain preliminary until official findings are released.

Timeline and Flight Data (Preliminary)

Takeoff Clearance: 8:01 AM (IST)

Taxiing Duration: ~3 minutes

Crash Time: 8:04–8:05 AM

Altitude at Crash: ~625 feet

Vertical Speed: ~896 feet per minute (descent)

Ground Speed: ~174 knots (~322 km/h) 

1 Knot: 1.852 Km/h

The aircraft crashed within 4 minutes of takeoff, near the runway perimeter of Ahmedabad airport. Satellite imagery and trajectory data show the plane reaching only a minimal altitude before beginning an unexpected and steep descent.

Initial Observations and Expert Assessments

Several aviation professionals have shared early assessments based on available telemetry, flight profile data, and visuals captured before the crash.

1. Dual Engine Failure (Highly Rare)

Experts suggest that a simultaneous failure of both engines is a possible cause. Modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 are designed to continue flying even if one engine fails. A total engine failure (dual engine failure) immediately after takeoff is extremely rare but can result in complete loss of lift and power.

> Aviation YouTuber and former pilot Gaurav Taneja commented:

“Nothing short of a complete power loss can force a modern aircraft into that kind of sink rate right after takeoff.”

Such a failure at a low altitude offers pilots very limited options, especially over urban environments with restricted emergency landing zones.

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2. Bird Strike (Potential Trigger)

One potential reason for dual engine failure could be a bird strike, where birds are ingested into the engines during takeoff, causing internal damage or flameout. Ahmedabad airport, like many in urban areas, is known to face bird activity, especially near open waste areas.

Relevant Aviation Fact:

According to ICAO data, over 60% of bird strikes occur during takeoff or initial climb, the phase in which this incident occurred.

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3. Engine Stall or Thrust Loss

Some experts speculate 

that the engines may have stalled—a situation where airflow into the engine is disrupted, halting thrust generation. Engine stalls can be caused by mechanical issues, airflow disruption (e.g., from bird ingestion), or pilot-commanded throttle settings that fail to generate expected thrust.

Restarting an engine at low altitude (like 600 feet) offers almost no time buffer to recover the aircraft.

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4. Aircraft Tilt or Loss of Lift

The aircraft may have entered an abnormal angle or experienced loss of lift, which could lead to a rapid descent. In such cases, control surfaces (ailerons, rudder, elevator) become less effective, especially with low airspeed or engine thrust loss.

Some eyewitness video frames suggest the aircraft’s nose was slightly elevated, which might indicate pilot efforts to regain altitude—but without engine power, this often accelerates stall or sink rates.

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5. Auto-Pilot Unlikely to Be Involved

Auto-pilot systems on commercial aircraft do not engage until reaching a safe cruising altitude. At 625 feet, the aircraft would still be under manual control. Hence, automation failure is an unlikely contributor.

About the Aircraft

Model: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Age: Approximately 12 years old

Lifespan: Commercial aircraft, when maintained properly, can operate safely for 30–40+ years

Maintenance: Subject to regular inspections and mandatory airworthiness certifications

Aircraft age is not typically a cause for concern if proper maintenance is conducted, as mandated by international aviation regulations.

Importance of the Black Box

Investigators are currently searching for the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), collectively known as the "black box."

These devices will provide:

ATC-Pilot Communication

Engine Performance Logs

Altitude and Speed Fluctuations

Pilot Inputs and Warnings

Possible Mayday Calls

It has been reported that a “Mayday” distress signal was issued, indicating imminent danger to life or aircraft.

Caution Against Speculation

Aviation incidents require thorough investigation involving:

Aircraft manufacturer (Boeing)

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Airport Authority of India (AAI)

Independent safety experts

Until these agencies release verified findings, conclusions about the cause remain speculative. It is important for the public and media to avoid misinformation and wait for transparent, factual disclosures.

Conclusion

This tragic incident underscores the importance of aviation safety systems, pilot training, and robust maintenance protocols. While commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, rare failures—particularly during takeoff and landing—can still occur.

As the world awaits official investigation outcomes, the priority remains with respecting the lives affected, ensuring transparent reporting, and learning from the event to enhance future flight safety.