It was supposed to be a routine domestic flight.

But just 30 seconds into its climb, Air India Flight 171 became the deadliest aviation disaster in India’s modern history — and what scientists and investigators are now uncovering has sent shockwaves through the global aviation community.

 A Fireball in the Sky

On 12 June 2025, Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad, carrying 274 people onboard. Within moments, the aircraft lost altitude, banked unnaturally, and crashed into the boys’ hostel of a nearby medical college.

The resulting fireball lit up the early morning sky, with burning debris raining down across multiple blocks. First responders described the scene as “apocalyptic.” There was only one survivor — a crew member flung from the rear of the aircraft just before impact.

 What Investigators Found

Early analysis from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in collaboration with international aviation experts, points to a catastrophic mechanical failure in one of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems — a failure linked to delayed and improperly documented maintenance just three weeks before the crash.

An internal report, leaked to the press, stated:

“There is strong evidence that flight control components were not adequately serviced, despite known alerts in the maintenance log.“

Even more concerning: the aircraft, a Boeing 767, had been operating on extended service authorization, despite two prior mid-air technical incidents in the past year.

 Could the Pilots Have Saved the Plane?

Black box data shows the pilots struggled desperately to stabilize the aircraft in the final seconds. Their last transmission — garbled and panicked — was never fully decoded. But audio experts say a voice can be heard shouting:

“It’s not responding — we’ve lost everything!”

Aviation analysts confirm that even a veteran crew would have had less than 15 seconds to act once the controls failed.

 Global Shock and Industry Panic

The tragedy has triggered worldwide audits of aging aircraft, especially those operating under extended life certifications. Airlines are being pressured to ground fleets and re-check hydraulic systems as confidence falters.

Passengers across Asia and Europe are demanding answers.

“If a plane can fall from the sky 30 seconds after takeoff, what hope do we have?” one survivor’s relative told reporters.

 The Human Toll

Among the dead were dozens of medical students, two Manipuri cabin crew from communities in ethnic conflict, and an entire family traveling for cancer treatment. Vigils have been held across India, with candles forming the number 171 on airport tarmacs.

Could It Happen Again?

Aviation experts warn that while rare, similar crashes can and do happen, especially when maintenance protocols are rushed, falsified, or ignored.

An unnamed airline engineer told investigators:

“We all knew that plane had issues. No one wanted to delay a schedule.”

 Final Reflection:

Air India Flight 171 isn’t just a tragedy — it’s a warning.

One rooted not just in mechanics, but in bureaucracy, pressure, and human oversight that cost 273 lives. As the global aviation industry scrambles to respond, families are left asking the question no one can answer:

How many warnings does it take before a plane becomes a coffin?