Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Another Tragedy Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed in Meghaninagar shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 was carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. 241 people are feared dead. The tragedy once again reminded us of India’s worst plane crashes in the past. Here are 9 of India’s deadliest plane crashes: (1) Ahmedabad, Air India AI171 (2025): Crashed two minutes after takeoff on June 12. 241 of the 242 passengers are likely dead. Experienced pilots Captain Sumit Subharwal (8,200+ flight hours) and First Officer Clive Kinder (1,100 hours) were also on board. (2) Calicut, Air India Express 1344 (2020): On August 7, the plane skidded off the runway at Kozhikode airport during the Vande Bharat Mission and fell into a valley. The Boeing 737 broke into two in heavy rain, killing 21 of the 190 on board, including both pilots. (3) Mangalore, Air India Express 812 (2010): On May 22, a Boeing 737 from Dubai skidded off the tabletop runway at Mangalore, fell into a ditch and caught fire. 158 of the 166 died. It raised questions about the safety of tabletop airports. (4) Patna, Alliance Air 7412 (2000): On July 17, a Boeing 737 crashed in a residential area of Patna. 60 people died, including 5 people on the ground, due to poor operation. Approach systems at smaller airports have improved. (5) Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (1996): On November 12, Saudia Flight 763 and Kazakhstan Airlines Flight 1907 collided in mid-air near Haryana. 349 died due to poor communication and incorrect altitude. TCAS system was then mandatory. (6) Bangalore, Indian Airlines 605 (1990): On February 14, an Airbus A320 crashed on a golf course near Bangalore airport. 92 out of 146 died due to pilot error and inadequate understanding of the new digital cockpit. (7) Ahmedabad, Indian Airlines 113 (1988): On 19 October, a Boeing 737 crashed into trees near Ahmedabad airport in poor visibility. 133 of 135 died. Pilot error and inadequate weather information were blamed. (8) Mumbai, Air India 855 (1978): On 1 January, a Dubai-bound Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea 101 seconds after take-off from Mumbai. All 213 died due to a faulty attitude indicator. (9) Delhi, Indian Airlines 440 (1973): On 31 May, a Boeing 737 crashed into high-tension wires near Delhi in poor weather. Crashed. 48 of 65 killed, including politician Mohan Kumar Mangalam. The need for better weather radar was highlighted. The result is a dark chapter in India's aviation history. Each tragedy has drawn attention to improving safety measures, but the cost in human lives has been enormous.
