Air India crash: Pilot’s final words revealed moments before tragic disaster

The final moments before the fatal crash of an Air India flight have been revealed, shedding new light on the tragedy that killed hundreds. The pilot’s last words captured in a distress call have been released by Indian aviation authorities, as investigations into the crash continue.

The London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down on Thursday, 12 June, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a densely populated residential area, erupting in flames. The crash claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 people on board, and at least 29 others on the ground.

According to officials, the pilot’s last transmission was a desperate cry for help:
“Thrust not achieved... falling... Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”

The aircraft had 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Air India confirmed that the victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. One passenger miraculously survived the crash and is receiving medical care.

Authorities have begun the process of identifying and returning the remains of the victims, one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s aviation history. Rajneesh Patel, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, stated that 32 victims have been identified so far through DNA testing, and the remains of 14 have been returned to their families.

Outside the hospital mortuary, grieving families waited in anguish as officials worked to complete identification formalities. Many expressed frustration over delays. Authorities explained that DNA matching can take up to 72 hours but assured that the process is being expedited.

In response to the disaster, the Indian government has launched a high-level investigation into the cause of the crash. A committee has been established to determine what went wrong and to develop updated protocols for managing aircraft emergencies.

Key areas under scrutiny include a potential failure in engine thrust, issues with the aircraft’s flaps, and concerns over the landing gear, which reportedly remained extended during takeoff.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that a comprehensive inspection of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet is already underway. Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced that 8 of the 34 Dreamliners in India have been inspected so far, with the rest to follow under "immediate urgency."

As investigations progress, the nation continues to mourn the loss of life and search for answers to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.