The Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday has reignited concerns about civil aviation safety in India. This comes as the most serious accident since the 2020 Calicut crash, which claimed 21 lives.
India has a long history of air accidents. While safety measures have improved, major tragedies have repeatedly struck over the decades. The 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision remains the country’s deadliest, with 349 lives lost.
Recent air disasters in India
On 7 August 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai crashed during landing in Calicut. The aircraft skidded off a wet runway and broke in two, killing 21 people.
On 22 May 2010, Flight 812 of Air India Express overshot the runway in Mangalore. It fell into a gorge and caught fire, killing 158 people.
On 17 July 2000, Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed while landing in Patna, killing over 60. Investigators blamed pilot error.
The worst India air crash history incident happened on 12 November 1996. A mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri between a Saudi Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 killed 349 people. Pilot miscommunication and air traffic control lapses caused the accident.
Older tragedies that shaped safety policies
On 26 April 1993, Indian Airlines Flight 491 hit a truck and power lines after takeoff in Aurangabad, killing 55.
On 16 August 1991, Flight 257 of Indian Airlines crashed near Imphal. All 69 people on board died.
On 14 February 1990, Flight 605 crashed on approach to Bangalore. The accident killed 92 people.
On 19 October 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed in Ahmedabad. The tragedy claimed 133 lives.
On 21 June 1982, Air India Flight 403 crashed at Bombay airport, resulting in 17 deaths.
On 1 January 1978, Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea just after takeoff from Mumbai. All 213 passengers and crew died.
The India air crash history reflects the evolving challenges in ensuring aviation safety. The recent Ahmedabad crash again places a spotlight on the need for strict compliance, updated protocols, and continued oversight.
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