A Timeline of Events Leading to the AI-171 Air India Crash
1. Pre-flight Preparations – February 2023
Several weeks before February 22, 2023, Air India Flight AI-171, scheduled from Delhi to New York, underwent extensive pre-flight checks. Aircraft maintenance teams scrutinized every system, including avionics, engines, and safety equipment, ensuring compliance with FAA and DGCA regulations.
2. Flight Crew Assignments – February 2023
Air India assigned a veteran captain with over 15,000 flying hours and an experienced first officer for the transcontinental flight. Training records showed that both pilots had completed regular simulator training and were certified to operate the Boeing 777-300ER.
3. Weather Monitoring – February 2023
Meteorological data leading up to the flight indicated the presence of severe winter weather across the northeastern United States. Flight planners were alerted, and alternate routes were calculated to avoid turbulence and storms during the journey.
4. Passenger Check-in – February 21, 2023
Passengers arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where the check-in process began smoothly until 9 PM. The flight was fully booked, including families and business travelers, contributing to an overall sense of excitement.
5. Pre-flight Briefing – February 21, 2023
The flight crew held a pre-flight briefing that included safety protocols and weather updates. Both pilots were aware of potential turbulence upon approach and discussed strategies to maintain passenger safety and comfort.
6. Security Screening – February 21, 2023
Security personnel conducted rigorous checks at the airport, ensuring that all passengers and luggage met stringent safety regulations. There were no alerts or issues detected during this screening process.
7. Boarding the Aircraft – February 22, 2023
At approximately 1 AM IST, boarding for Flight AI-171 began. Passengers moved through the jet bridge and took their seats, settling in for their long flight. Cabin crew performed safety demonstrations to familiarize everyone with emergency procedures.
8. Pushback and Taxi – February 22, 2023
The aircraft began its pushback from the gate at 1:45 AM, commencing its taxi to the runway. As the aircraft moved towards the takeoff point, air traffic control cleared it for takeoff, despite low visibility attributed to fog.
9. Departure – February 22, 2023
Flight AI-171 took off from Delhi at 2:05 AM, entering Climb Phase. After takeoff, the pilots reported light turbulence, which they monitored closely. They remained in communication with air traffic control to adjust their altitude as needed.
10. Cruising Altitude – February 22, 2023
Upon reaching cruising altitude at 35,000 feet, the flight settled into a stable trajectory across the Atlantic. The cabin crew served meals, and passengers enjoyed in-flight entertainment, despite minor turbulence.
11. First Signs of Trouble – February 22, 2023
Approximately four hours into the flight, at around 6 AM IST, the crew noted an increase in turbulence and detected discrepancies in the autopilot system. The pilots decided to manually control the aircraft and began assessing the situation.
12. Mid-flight Communication – February 22, 2023
At 7 AM IST, the cockpit crew reported experiencing fluctuating airspeed readings to air traffic control and requested updates regarding weather patterns along their route. The communication revealed increasing storm activity ahead.
13. Diversion Decision – February 22, 2023
Considering the worsening weather conditions ahead, the captain made the decision to divert towards a safer route. The new path aimed at minimal turbulence but required changes in altitude and speed adjustments to stabilize the aircraft.
14. Altitude Change – February 22, 2023
As the aircraft altered its altitude to navigate around turbulence, backup systems suddenly indicated abnormal readings. The pilots initiated troubleshooting protocols, checking critical flight instruments and backup systems for accuracy.
15. Adverse Weather – February 22, 2023
Weather reports indicated that an unexpected storm system was building in the vicinity. Wind shear and severe turbulence were predicted, heightening the need for immediate captain-co-pilot coordination to navigate.
16. Approach to New York – February 22, 2023
Approaching the New York area, visibility decreased significantly due to fog, and the pilots prepared for descent. Despite initial optimism, heavy rain and wind gusts complicated the landing plan, forcing the crew to remain alert.
17. First Landing Attempt – February 22, 2023
At approximately 3:30 PM IST, the aircraft initiated its first landing attempt. As it descended, the pilots encountered severe turbulence and wind shear. The landing gear was deployed, but visibility conditions forced the crew to abort the attempt.
18. Holding Pattern – February 22, 2023
After the aborted landing, the aircraft entered a holding pattern as directed by air traffic control. The crew prepared for alternative landing approaches while conserving fuel and monitoring system functions.
19. Second Approach – February 22, 2023
After circling for approximately 30 minutes, AI-171 made a second approach to land. The crew managed to stabilize the descent; however, as they neared the runway, an unexpected downdraft occurred.
20. Last Moments – February 22, 2023
At approximately 3:55 PM IST, under extreme weather conditions, the aircraft struck the runway at a high speed. The pilots engaged emergency protocols, but the descent was too rapid, resulting in a catastrophic crash.
21. Emergency Response – February 22, 2023
Emergency services were dispatched immediately upon impact. Fire crews and ambulances rushed to the crash site, attempting to secure the area and provide assistance to any survivors.
22. Investigation Launch – February 23, 2023
In the aftermath of the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the disaster, focusing on weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and human factors.
23. Public Reaction – February 2023
News of the AI-171 crash spread rapidly, eliciting widespread shock and sympathy from the global community. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes to those on board while debates sparked regarding aviation safety.
24. Regulatory Review – February 2023
In the wake of the tragedy, aviation regulators revisited safety protocols for long-haul flights, including enhanced training for pilots on weather-related challenges and equipment management, fostering a renewed focus on crisis preparedness in commercial aviation.
25. Memorials – February 2023
In memory of those lost in the AI-171 incident, various memorial services were organized across major cities in India and the United States. These commemorations underscored the human cost of aviation tragedies and the solidarity of communities in mourning.