5 Unsettling Facts About The Air India Boeing Crashes: From The Kanishka Bombing To The Latest 787 Dreamliner Tragedy

The tragic and complex history of Air India's major air disasters has been tragically updated with the catastrophic loss of Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. As of today, December 12, 2025, the aviation world is still grappling with the shocking details from the preliminary investigation, which points toward a highly unusual and devastating technical failure, reviving grim memories of past Air India tragedies. This latest incident, along with the two other deadliest crashes involving Boeing aircraft, underscores a chilling pattern of aviation disasters that have claimed hundreds of lives and profoundly impacted global aviation safety protocols. This article provides an in-depth look at the three most significant Air India Boeing crashes, focusing on the latest findings for the most recent tragedy and the enduring legacies of the past disasters. We detail the technical, human, and criminal factors that contributed to these events, from the 1985 terrorist attack to the recent, baffling dual-engine failure.

Air India Flight 171 (June 12, 2025): The Dreamliner Tragedy

The newest entry into the grim record of Air India disasters, Flight AI171 was a scheduled international service that ended in catastrophe just moments after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, India. The sheer suddenness of the event and the type of aircraft involved have placed this crash under intense global scrutiny.

The Latest Investigation Update and Key Entities

The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a relatively modern wide-body jet. The flight was bound for London Gatwick Airport (LGW), carrying 242 passengers and crew. The crash tragically claimed the lives of all on board, along with 19 people on the ground as the aircraft impacted a hostel block near the airport. The preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has provided a shocking initial finding. * Dual Engine Failure: Shortly after takeoff, both of the aircraft's engines experienced a catastrophic loss of thrust. * Fuel Cutoff Switches: The investigation found that the engine fuel-control switches for both engines mysteriously moved to the "cutoff" position, which is the direct cause of the dual engine failure. * Pilot Not at Fault: Crucially, the Supreme Court has clarified that the preliminary report indicates the flight crew was not at fault, shifting the focus entirely to a technical or systemic failure. * Previous Snags: Investigators are analyzing a series of technical snags reported in the days prior, including a Pilot Defect Report (PDR) entry for a status message related to the "STAB POS XDCR" (Stabilizer Position Transducer) and alleged electrical system glitches and "water leaks" that might have compromised systems. Families of the victims have since filed a major lawsuit against Boeing, alleging design or manufacturing defects contributed to the failure of the fuel control systems. This case is expected to be one of the largest aviation liability cases in recent history.

The Two Other Deadliest Air India Boeing Disasters

The AI 171 crash is the third major Air India disaster involving a Boeing aircraft, each with its own unique and devastating cause. Understanding the historical context of these events is essential for grasping the depth of India’s aviation safety challenges.

1. Air India Flight 182: The Kanishka Bombing (June 23, 1985)

Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747-200B named *Kanishka*, remains the deadliest act of aviation terrorism in history until today. * The Incident: The aircraft exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland while en route from Montreal to London. * The Cause: A powerful bomb, concealed in a suitcase, detonated in the forward cargo hold. * Casualties: All 329 people on board were killed, including 280 Canadian citizens, 27 British nationals, and 22 Indians. * Perpetrators: The attack was linked to Sikh extremist groups based in Canada, seeking revenge for the Indian Army's operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. * Enduring Legacy: The 40th anniversary of the tragedy is approaching in June 2025, bringing renewed focus on the failures of intelligence and security that allowed the bomb to be loaded onto the flight in Canada. The case remains a painful and complex chapter in international counter-terrorism efforts and Canada-India relations.

2. Air India Express Flight 812: The Mangalore Tabletop Disaster (May 22, 2010)

The crash of Air India Express Flight 812 (IX-812) highlighted the dangers associated with tabletop runways and the critical role of human factors in aviation safety. * The Aircraft: A Boeing 737-800, operating a service from Dubai to Mangalore. * The Incident: The aircraft overshot the runway upon landing at Mangalore International Airport (IXE), plunging into a steep ravine. * The Cause: The official investigation concluded the cause was pilot error, specifically the pilot's spatial disorientation and fatigue, leading to an un-stabilized approach and a landing far down the runway. * Casualties: 158 of the 166 people on board were killed, with only eight miraculous survivors. * Safety Changes: The disaster led to major reviews of pilot training, crew resource management (CRM), and the safety procedures for landing at airports with challenging tabletop runways, which are elevated and have steep drops at the end. The families of the victims are still fighting for full compensation and justice over a decade later.

The Chilling Connection: Aviation Safety and Systemic Failures

While the causes of these three major crashes—terrorism (AI 182), pilot error (IX-812), and suspected technical fault (AI 171)—are distinct, they collectively point to critical vulnerabilities in the global aviation system and within Air India's operational oversight. The sheer scale of the casualty toll in each event has forced international bodies to reassess safety standards.

The Role of Boeing and Modern Aircraft

The focus on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in the AI 171 crash is particularly alarming for the aviation industry. This aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced in the world. The preliminary finding of a simultaneous, catastrophic dual engine fuel cutoff, potentially linked to a previous electrical or system glitch, raises serious questions about the aircraft’s design and maintenance protocols. The ongoing lawsuit against Boeing by victim families emphasizes a growing global concern over the manufacturing quality and safety assurances of modern aircraft.

Topical Authority: The Impact on Indian Aviation

These incidents have spurred significant, albeit often delayed, changes in Indian aviation. The IX-812 crash forced a massive overhaul of airport safety at tabletop runways, while the AI 182 bombing permanently changed international airport security. The AI 171 tragedy is expected to lead to a new era of scrutiny on the maintenance and technical log reporting procedures for modern, fly-by-wire aircraft like the Dreamliner. The need for transparency from the AAIB and swift, complete compensation for victims remains a recurring and painful theme across all three disasters.

Entitas Relevan (Relevant Entities)

• Air India Flight 171 (AI171)
• Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
• Ahmedabad Airport (AMD)
• Dual Engine Failure
• Fuel Cutoff Switches
• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
• Air India Express Flight 812 (IX-812)
• Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
• Boeing 737-800
• Tabletop Runway
• Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka)
• Boeing 747-200B
• Terrorist Bombing
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
• Pilot Defect Report (PDR)
• STAB POS XDCR
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Aviation Safety Regulations
• Lawsuit against Boeing
• Spatial Disorientation