Today in Focus The Air India crash and the miracle of seat 11A
Jun 18, 2025
Aviation journalist Jeff Wise delves into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, where 270 lives were lost, yet one passenger in seat 11A survived against the odds. He discusses the chaotic aftermath and critical importance of mayday calls and black boxes in crash investigations. Wise shares insights on choosing the safest seats and highlights Boeing's struggle between safety concerns and shareholder demands. The conversation also reassures listeners about the overall safety of air travel, encouraging them to conquer their fears of flying.
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Miraculous survivor of AI crash
- The Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff with a Mayday call issued by the captain within seconds.
- Initial videos showed a survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, despite all others presumed dead, highlighting the unclear cause of the crash.
Mayday Indicates Serious Crisis
- A Mayday call right after takeoff usually signals a dire mechanical failure or a rapidly unfolding crisis.
- Pilot error can't be ruled out, but expert analysis often points to complex causes including weather and system interaction.
Black Boxes Key to Investigation
- Black boxes—cockpit voice and flight data recorders—provide crucial data from hundreds of parameters for crash investigation.
- Their typical orange color and rear placement help preserve critical flight and cockpit sounds data.