March 12, 2026
A passenger aircraft carrying more than 240 people crashed shortly after takeoff following an emergency distress call from the pilot, authorities confirmed. The incident has triggered a major rescue and investigation effort as officials work to determine what caused the disaster.
The aircraft, identified as an Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India as Flight AI-171, had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, and was headed to London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom.
According to early reports from aviation authorities, the aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members when the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call moments after departure.
Mayday Call Before Crash
Officials say the aircraft’s captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, contacted air traffic control seconds after takeoff, declaring an emergency. The Mayday signal was the last communication received from the aircraft before it disappeared from radar.
Shortly afterward, the plane crashed into a residential area in the Meghaninagar around 1:39 p.m. local time.
Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the crash site as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Firefighters, medical teams, and rescue personnel quickly launched a large-scale response operation.
Authorities attempted repeatedly to re-establish contact with the aircraft after the distress signal but received no further communication.
What a Mayday Call Means
In aviation, a “Mayday” call is the most serious distress signal a pilot can transmit. It indicates a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance.
The signal must be repeated three times—“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”—so that it is clearly understood by air traffic controllers and nearby aircraft.
The word originates from the French phrase “m’aider,” meaning “help me.” It was first introduced in the 1920s by radio officer Frederick Stanley Mockford at Croydon Airport in London and later adopted internationally as the standard distress call in aviation and maritime communication.
How Air Traffic Control Responds
When air traffic control receives a Mayday transmission, all other radio communication is suspended to prioritize the distressed aircraft.
Controllers immediately coordinate emergency actions, which may include:
- Alerting airport fire and rescue services
- Clearing nearby airspace for emergency maneuvers
- Providing navigation guidance and weather updates
- Preparing runways for an emergency landing
- Coordinating with national aviation authorities
In this case, emergency services were mobilized quickly, but the aircraft crashed shortly after the distress signal.
Investigation Underway
Aviation authorities, including India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, have launched an investigation to determine what caused the crash.
Investigators will analyze flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and other evidence to understand the sequence of events leading up to the disaster.
Experts say the Mayday call will provide important clues about what went wrong in the final moments of the flight.
Impact on Aviation Safety
While aviation accidents remain rare, incidents like this often lead to detailed safety reviews and updates to pilot training, aircraft systems, and emergency procedures.
Authorities temporarily suspended operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport following the crash as emergency teams focused on rescue and recovery efforts.
Officials say further information will be released as the investigation progresses.
