A devastating air tragedy unfolded near Ahmedabad airport when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI-171 to Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday afternoon. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members.
According to DGCA’s official statement, the flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal—an experienced line training captain with over 8,200 flight hours—alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 flight hours. The plane departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST and issued a MAYDAY distress call shortly after takeoff, indicating a critical emergency.
Tragically, all communication ceased following the distress signal. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport’s boundary, and eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the site of the accident.
What is MAYDAY Call?
- The word “MAYDAY” comes from the French phrase “m’aidez”, meaning “help me”.
- It is repeated three times — “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” — to distinguish it from similar-sounding phrases and ensure it’s understood as a real emergency.
When It’s Used:
Pilots or captains use a MAYDAY call when they are facing:
- Engine failure
- Fire on board
- Loss of control
- Imminent crash or collision
- Any situation where lives are at immediate risk
How It’s Sent:
A MAYDAY call is usually transmitted over the radio to Air Traffic Control (ATC) or marine authorities. It includes:
- The word “MAYDAY” repeated three times
- The call sign or flight number
- Nature of the emergency
- Current position
- Intentions (e.g., turning back, emergency landing)
- Request for help
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