All 242 on board Air India London flight dead: Why plane crashes often happen during takeoff?

All 242 on Board Air India London Flight Dead: Why Plane Crashes Often Happen During Takeoff

In a tragic turn of events, an Air India flight en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 242 passengers and crew on board. As investigations begin, aviation experts explain why the takeoff phase remains one of the riskiest moments in air travel.

The Crash: What We Know So Far

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-211, bound for London Heathrow from Mumbai, crashed minutes after liftoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by plumes of smoke. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, lost contact with air traffic control at 6:08 AM IST, mere moments after clearance.

Authorities have confirmed there were no survivors among the 229 passengers and 13 crew members. Search and recovery operations are underway, and the flight data and cockpit voice recorders—crucial to understanding the sequence of events—have been recovered.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called the incident a “national tragedy” and pledged full support for the investigation. International teams from Boeing and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are collaborating on the probe.

Takeoff: A Critical Phase in Flight

Statistically, over 30% of aviation accidents occur during takeoff and the initial climb—despite this phase accounting for less than 5% of the total flight time. According to the Flight Safety Foundation, the first three minutes after wheels-up are particularly vulnerable due to:

• Engine performance under high stress

• Heavy fuel loads

• Minimal altitude for corrective actions

• Weather conditions, such as low visibility or wind shear

Captain Ramesh Bhatia, a retired senior pilot with over 25 years of experience, explains:

“Takeoff is a complex orchestration of speed, thrust, weight, and angle. There’s very little margin for error. If anything fails—especially an engine—options for recovery are extremely limited at low altitude.”

The Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is considered one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, known for its fuel efficiency, composite fuselage, and advanced avionics. Air India introduced the aircraft to its fleet in 2012, with most planes being under 12 years old.

While the Dreamliner has an excellent safety record globally, it has faced sporadic technical issues—most notably lithium-ion battery concerns during its initial launch. Analysts say it’s premature to blame any aircraft design or system before the investigation is complete.

Possible Causes: What Experts Say

While the investigation is ongoing, several potential causes are under consideration:

• Bird Strike: A flock of birds near airports can severely damage engines during takeoff.

• Mechanical Failure: A malfunctioning engine or control system could result in a loss of thrust or maneuverability.

• Pilot Error: Though rare among experienced crews, misjudgments during critical flight phases cannot be ruled out.

• External Interference: Weather or even foreign object debris on the runway can pose serious risks.

A senior aviation analyst, Meera Khurana, noted:

“The root causes of accidents are usually a combination of factors. It’s not often just one catastrophic failure, but a sequence of events that build upon one another. This is what investigators will be piecing together in the coming weeks.”

Investor Impact and Aviation Sector Outlook

In the immediate aftermath, shares of Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, saw a 3.2% dip on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Aviation-related stocks such as InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo’s parent) and SpiceJet also experienced minor declines.

Aviation insurance premiums are likely to rise, especially for long-haul international carriers. Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities said in a note:

“Major accidents like this typically lead to short-term market volatility, increased scrutiny from regulators, and potential reputational impacts, but long-term fundamentals tend to remain intact.”

Despite the tragedy, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) maintains that air travel remains statistically the safest mode of transportation. Over 45 million commercial flights operated safely in 2024, with only a handful of fatal incidents worldwide.

Government and Regulatory Response

In response, the DGCA has initiated a comprehensive audit of Air India’s safety and maintenance protocols. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a temporary grounding of similar aircraft for precautionary checks.

Global watchdogs such as the FAA (U.S.) and EASA (EU) are closely monitoring the situation. It’s likely that findings from this investigation will influence updated takeoff protocols and may even trigger design modifications in future aircraft models.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Under the Montreal Convention and Indian law, families of victims are entitled to compensation. Air India has already announced an immediate interim compensation of ₹2 crore for each Indian national and $250,000 for foreign nationals. Legal experts anticipate a longer process for final settlements, especially for foreign passengers whose jurisdictions may have differing standards.

A Tragic Reminder

This catastrophic crash serves as a harsh reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in aviation, especially during takeoff. While safety standards and technology have advanced dramatically, zero risk is unattainable.

The aviation world mourns the loss of 242 lives today. As investigators search for answers, the global aviation community watches closely, seeking lessons that may help prevent such tragedies in the future.