Final mayday from the skies: Air India 787’s last desperate cry before deadly Ahmedabad crash

In a tragic turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed just five minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London, sent out a desperate Mayday call before disappearing from radar and plunging into a building near Meghani Nagar, engulfed in flames and thick black smoke — leaving rescue teams racing against time amid fears of no survivors.

But what is this Mayday call?

Mayday: The Call Before Silence

Aviation experts confirm the crew of AI171 sent out a “Mayday” — the internationally recognised distress signal used in life-threatening emergencies. Derived from the French phrase m’aider (“help me”), the term was coined in the 1920s to aid clarity in cross-border aviation communication. It was officially adopted in 1927, alongside the Morse Code “SOS”.

When a pilot radios “Mayday” three times, all non-urgent radio traffic must clear, and air traffic control (ATC) immediately prioritises the call. The crew then relays key information, including aircraft call sign, location, type of emergency, and number of people onboard.

In this case, officials say the Mayday call gave early indication of a major technical or operational issue. ATC was still in contact when the aircraft vanished from radar.

What Happens After a Mayday?

A Mayday call automatically activates emergency protocols at all levels. Fire, medical, and security teams are dispatched without delay. Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are now involved in probing the cause.

The Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash is a part of Air India’s widebody fleet, known for long-haul international operations. The aircraft type had maintained a strong safety record since its introduction. This incident, however, marks the first major fatal accident involving a Dreamliner — a significant development for the aviation industry.

As authorities begin investigation into what led to this high-fatality disaster, the aviation sector, including regulators and aircraft manufacturers, will be closely watching the findings.