What Is a MAYDAY Call and Why It Matters 5 Key Points Explainer Related to Ahmedabad Air India Flight AI171 Crash

 

Ahmedabad Air India Flight AI171 Crash

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Today (June 12, 2025). Moments before the tragedy, the flight crew issued a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), signaling a life-threatening emergency. This explainer breaks down what a MAYDAY call is, its significance, and how it relates to the Ahmedabad crash.

1) What Is a MAYDAY Call?

A MAYDAY call is an internationally recognized distress signal used in aviation and maritime contexts to indicate a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance. Derived from the French phrase "m’aidez" (meaning "help me"), it is the highest-priority distress call, typically repeated three times—"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY"—to ensure clarity and distinguish it from routine communications. In aviation, pilots use it to alert ATC of critical situations like engine failure, onboard fire, or loss of control, as was the case with Flight AI171.

2) Why Did Air India Flight AI171 Issue a MAYDAY Call?

Flight AI171 took off from Runway 23 at Ahmedabad’s airport at 1:39 PM IST on June 12, 2025. Seconds later, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, indicating a severe emergency. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before descending rapidly at a rate of -475 feet per minute, crashing into a residential area near the airport, specifically a doctors’ hostel in Meghani Nagar. The MAYDAY call was the last communication from the aircraft, as it did not respond to subsequent ATC calls, suggesting the situation deteriorated quickly.

3) What Happens After a MAYDAY Call?

When a MAYDAY call is received, ATC prioritizes the distressed aircraft, clearing airspace, coordinating with emergency services, and providing immediate support. In the case of AI171, ATC received the MAYDAY call but lost contact shortly after, limiting their ability to assist. Emergency response teams, including fire services and disaster response forces, were quickly dispatched to the crash site, where thick black smoke was reported. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) activated an operational control room to manage the crisis, and Ahmedabad airport was temporarily closed, impacting other flights.

4) The Significance of the MAYDAY Call in the AI171 Investigation

The MAYDAY call is a critical piece of evidence in understanding the AI171 tragedy. It indicates the pilots recognized an immediate threat, possibly engine failure, structural issues, or another catastrophic problem, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft’s black box, comprising the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, is expected to provide further insights into what prompted the distress call. The rapid descent and lack of further communication suggest the crew had little time to respond, highlighting the severity of the incident.

5) How Does a MAYDAY Call Differ from Other Distress Signals?

In aviation, distress signals are prioritized based on severity:

• MAYDAY: Indicates a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate action, as seen in the AI171 crash.
• PAN-PAN: Signals an urgent but non-life-threatening situation, such as minor technical issues or medical emergencies. The MAYDAY call’s use in the AI171 incident underscores the gravity of the situation, distinguishing it from less critical alerts.

Impact of the AI171 Crash and the MAYDAY Call

The crash of Flight AI171, carrying 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national, has left no reported survivors, with additional casualties on the ground, including injuries at the doctors’ hostel. The MAYDAY call alerted authorities to the crisis, triggering a swift response, though the outcome was tragic. Public figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed grief, and Air India removed display pictures from its social media accounts as a mark of respect. The incident, the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has raised questions about aviation safety, with the black box expected to reveal critical details.

What’s Next for the Investigation?

The DGCA and other authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on the MAYDAY call, flight data, and physical evidence. The passenger manifest, including notable figures like former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, has been released, and rescue operations continue. The MAYDAY call will be a focal point in reconstructing the final moments of Flight AI171, helping to prevent future tragedies.

Keywords: MAYDAY call, Air India AI171, Ahmedabad crash, distress signal, Air Traffic Control, Boeing 787, aviation emergency, black box