I think you have heard about the plane crash of AI-171 in Ahmedabad, India. And if you want to know briefly about it, then this article, What AI Says About Air India Flight AI-171 will explain the thoughts of Artificial Intelligence on this topic.
I’ve asked the same question: “What could be the cause of the Air India AI-171 Crash?” for different AI models like ChatGpt, GROK, Gemini, Claude, and Deepseek, and the following are the responses they provided to me.
What AI Says About Air India Flight AI-171?
The Thoughts of ChatGPT
The Air India flight AI-171 crash is under investigation by specialists, and there are a number of credible explanations to consider. One is an aerodynamic stall due to an inappropriate flap or gear configuration during takeoff. There is video evidence of the aircraft not responding to lift and nose-diving despite engines still running and landing gear still extended.
This would involve the pilots having raised the flaps prematurely or maybe even neglected to raise the landing gear, in both cases slashing drastically into lift during a critical phase of flight. Investigators are also looking into the possibility that engine thrust was lost or insufficient to allow climb-out.
Human error is also a likely culprit. Aviation experts believe that confusion or miscommunication between cockpit levers could have been a cause, if flap or gear control was not managed correctly. Maintenance records and equipment are also probed for possible malfunctioning, like defective sensors or autopilot failure.
Sabotage, bird strike, or cyberattack, though not ruled out, have no immediate evidence for their involvement at this point. The third reason will be established on the basis of the flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder evidence, which is pending with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The Thoughts of Gemini
The recent crash of Air India AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which tragically killed 241 passengers and crew along with at least 33 people on the ground, has prompted an intensive investigation into its cause. Initial observations and expert opinions point to several potential factors. One prominent theory revolves around the aircraft’s flap configuration.
Videos of the moments before the crash suggest the wing flaps, crucial for generating lift during takeoff, may not have been correctly extended or could have been prematurely retracted. This, coupled with the landing gear remaining down, would have significantly increased drag and severely hindered the aircraft’s ability to gain and sustain altitude.
Other possible contributing factors under scrutiny include a dual engine failure, perhaps due to a bird strike or fuel contamination, which would explain the plane’s struggle for power. The hot ambient temperatures in Ahmedabad at the time of takeoff could have also played a role, as high temperatures reduce air density and thus engine performance, especially if the aircraft was at or near its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
Human error, stemming from incorrect pilot actions or a delayed response to an emergency, is also being investigated. The recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder will be crucial in piecing together the events that led to this catastrophic accident.
The Thoughts of Grok
The cause of Air India Flight AI-171’s crash on June 12, 2025, remains under investigation. Preliminary theories include a possible double engine failure, potentially due to a bird strike, as Ahmedabad airport is known for bird activity. Video footage suggests the plane struggled to gain altitude, with landing gear down and possible incorrect wing flap settings, hinting at aerodynamic issues or human error.
Contaminated fuel or maintenance lapses are also being considered. One black box has been recovered, which may reveal critical data. The investigation, led by India’s AAIB with U.S. and UK support, will examine engine thrust, flaps, and maintenance records.
The Thoughts of Claude
The Air India AI-171 crash on June 12, 2025, remains under investigation with no confirmed cause yet. The DGCA has launched a probe, with more details expected as the investigation progresses. The Boeing 787-8 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad while bound for London, killing 241-246 people with one survivor.
Investigators will focus on whether human error, mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or a combination of those factors played a part in the crash. A black box has been recovered to aid the investigation. Given the crash occurred during takeoff, potential causes could include engine failure, control system malfunction, weight/balance issues, or pilot error. Boeing and GE Aerospace are assisting the investigation.
The Thoughts of Deepseek
Based on the ongoing investigation into the Air India AI-171 crash on June 12, 2025, the primary focus centers on technical failures and aerodynamic issues. Aviation experts and investigators are examining potential loss or reduction of engine thrust, alongside anomalies in the aircraft’s configuration during takeoff.
Key evidence includes video footage suggesting the landing gear remained extended and wing flaps may not have deployed correctly, contributing to a critical loss of lift. Additionally, radar data indicated the Boeing 787-8 stalled shortly after takeoff, descending rapidly despite pilots issuing a mayday call within seconds . While bird strikes or sabotage have been considered, early analysis of CCTV footage shows no bird activity, directing scrutiny toward mechanical or human factors.
Systemic safety lapses and regulatory shortcomings are also under investigation. The crash site—a medical college building just 300 meters from the airport—violated international obstacle clearance standards, raising questions about infrastructure compliance. India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, faces criticism for oversight failures, with experts citing a pattern of inadequate safety culture amid rapid industry expansion.
Air India’s maintenance protocols are being audited, particularly after a 2023 emergency landing involving another 787 Dreamliner. International teams (NTSB, UK AAIB) are assisting India’s AAIB, with definitive conclusions pending analysis of the recovered flight data recorder and cockpit voice recordings.
Conclusion
All AI models analyzing the Air India AI-171 crash consistently point to a common potential cause: an aerodynamic stall resulting from improper aircraft configuration during takeoff. Specifically, the extended landing gear and possible mismanagement of the wing flaps—either not deployed correctly or retracted too early—are believed to have severely compromised the aircraft’s ability to generate sufficient lift. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts support this theory, showing the aircraft failing to climb and eventually nose-diving despite the engines still operating.
This configuration error, occurring during the critical takeoff phase, would have drastically increased drag while reducing lift, leading to a stall. While other factors, such as human error, engine failure, and maintenance issues, are also under investigation, every model highlighted the flap and landing gear issue as a key and visible contributor. Therefore, the most commonly identified cause across all AI assessments is an aerodynamic failure due to incorrect flap or landing gear settings during takeoff.
FAQs
What was the likely cause of the Air India AI-171 crash?
The most commonly suggested cause is an aerodynamic stall during takeoff, likely due to improper flap configuration and extended landing gear, which reduced lift and increased drag, preventing the aircraft from climbing properly.
Were both engines functioning at the time of the crash?
Initial observations suggest the engines were still running during the descent, but investigators are also considering possible engine thrust loss due to factors like fuel contamination or dual engine failure.
Did pilot error contribute to the crash?
Human error is a strong possibility being investigated. This includes potential mismanagement of flap or gear controls, delayed responses, or miscommunication during takeoff.
Is there evidence of bird strike or sabotage?
Although bird strike and sabotage were considered, there is no immediate evidence supporting these theories. CCTV footage reportedly showed no bird activity near the crash.
What role do the black boxes play in the investigation?
The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) are critical in understanding what went wrong. These devices will provide concrete data on aircraft systems, pilot actions, and any last communications before the crash.
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