Air India Dreamliner crashes in Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff. First Officer Clive Kunder among victims. Investigation launched. Airport shut. Full coverage inside.
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Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes in Ahmedabad Minutes After Takeoff — Crew Member from Mangaluru Among Victims
By Special Correspondent | Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025
A tragedy of national proportions struck on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed into a densely populated residential block in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad—just five minutes after takeoff. The crash, which occurred at approximately 1:43 PM IST, June12 has resulted in multiple casualties and left the nation stunned.
Among the deceased is First Officer Clive Kunder, a young pilot with roots in Mangaluru and a resident of Mumbai, whose aviation journey had just begun to take flight.
Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes in Ahmedabad: Mangaluru-Based Pilot, 244 Onboard, Multiple Dead
A Promising Life Cut Short
Clive Kunder, trained at Paris Air Inc., had logged 1,100+ hours of flying time. Described by colleagues as meticulous and passionate, Clive was assisting Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flight hours, at the time of the crash.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) at 1:38 PM. Just moments later, it lost altitude and plummeted into the Meghani Nagar locality. Eye-witnesses recount hearing a massive explosion followed by an inferno and thick black smoke spiraling into the sky.
“I saw what looked like a giant fireball crashing into the buildings,” said Priya Parmar, a local resident. “People ran into the streets screaming. It was absolute chaos.”
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue
Onboard the aircraft were 232 passengers, including two infants, and 12 crew members—totaling 244 souls. Rescue operations are still underway. While exact casualty numbers are awaited, multiple fatalities have been confirmed.
Among the crew were senior cabin members:
Shradha Dhavan
Aparna Mahadik
Saineeta Chakravarti
Nganthoi Kongbrailatpam Sharma
Deepak Pathak
Maithili Patil
Irfan Shaikh
Lamnunthem Singson
Roshni Songhare Rajendra
Manisha Thapa
Unconfirmed reports suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board, reportedly listed as Passenger #12. Authorities have not yet confirmed his condition.
Emergency Response & Airport Closure
Emergency services acted promptly. Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia confirmed that multiple fire tenders were dispatched within minutes. "Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly. The fire is under control, but the search for survivors continues," he said.
In light of the crash, all operations at SVPIA have been suspended indefinitely. “All flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport are temporarily suspended until further notice,” said an airport spokesperson.
Ambulances, disaster response teams, and forensic units continue to work through the charred debris of residential buildings and aircraft wreckage.
Investigations Begin
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a high-level investigation. A team comprising the Director of Airworthiness, Assistant Director, and a Flight Operations Inspector, already stationed in Ahmedabad, has been assigned to lead the probe.
A preliminary report is expected within 72 hours. Although the cause remains unverified, early theories suggest a mechanical failure possibly linked to engine malfunction or avionics.
“The black box has been recovered and will be analyzed immediately,” said a DGCA official on condition of anonymity.
Nation in Mourning
Across India, tributes have poured in for the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing grief on social media, wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. The nation stands by them in this hour of grief.”
Air India issued an official statement confirming the incident and expressing condolences. "We are cooperating with authorities and focusing on rescue efforts. Our thoughts are with all affected families."
Who Was Clive Kunder?
Clive Kunder was only beginning what promised to be a long and illustrious aviation career. Born in Mangaluru, he had moved to Mumbai to pursue his pilot dreams. He completed rigorous training abroad and had recently joined long-haul operations.
Friends recall him as “ambitious, grounded, and always smiling.”
“He would talk about flying like it was poetry,” said childhood friend Pranav D’Souza. “He died doing what he loved most.”
Aviation Safety and Questions Raised
This crash, involving a relatively modern aircraft model like the Boeing 787, has reignited public concern about aviation safety in India. While Air India boasts one of the better safety records globally, recent operational pressures following fleet expansions have sparked debate about maintenance standards.
Aviation analyst Reena Kaul commented, “This incident should be a wake-up call. We need thorough audits, not just investigations.”
Final Approach: A Nation Waits for Answers
As the wreckage cools and names of victims begin to emerge, India stands united in grief. The tragedy has disrupted lives, shattered families, and exposed vulnerabilities in the aviation system.
For now, all eyes remain on the investigation, with hopes that it will uncover the truth—and pave the way for justice, accountability, and reform.
