Aviation accidents are rare but often devastating. India has witnessed several tragic air crashes over the years—each leaving behind lessons for the aviation industry, policymakers, and public safety. This blog chronicles major Indian air accidents from 1973 to 2025, in chronological order, outlining the flight details, casualties, aircraft types, and causes of each crash.
✈️ 1. Indian Airlines Flight 440
- Date: May 31, 1973
- Time: 9:58 PM
- Route: Madras to New Delhi
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-2A8 (1971)
- Onboard: 65 | Killed: 48
- Cause: Crew error in allowing the aircraft to descend below the glide path—the ideal landing trajectory.
✈️ 2. Indian Airlines Flight 171
- Date: October 12, 1976
- Time: 1:35 AM
- Route: Bombay to Madras
- Aircraft: Caravelle (1967)
- Onboard: 95 | Killed: 95
- Cause: Engine failure and subsequent fire. The aircraft crashed nose-down during an emergency landing.
✈️ 3. Air India Flight 855 (Emperor Ashoka)
- Date: January 1, 1978
- Time: 8:15 PM
- Route: Bombay to Delhi
- Aircraft: Boeing 747-237B (1971)
- Onboard: 213 | Killed: 213
- Cause: Failure of the altitude direction indicator (ADI) led to crew disorientation. The aircraft dived into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff.
✈️ 4. Indian Airlines Flight 113
- Date: October 19, 1988
- Time: 6:53 AM
- Route: Mumbai to Ahmedabad
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-200 (1970)
- Onboard: 135 | Killed: 133
- Cause: The plane struck trees and power lines amid poor visibility. The court blamed reckless flying.
✈️ 5. Vayudoot Flight VDT703
- Date: October 19, 1988
- Time: 8:56 AM
- Route: Silchar to Guwahati
- Aircraft: Fokker F27 Friendship 100 (1961)
- Onboard: 34 | Killed: 34
- Cause: The aircraft hit a hill. Pilot error and ATC clearance mistakes were identified.
✈️ 6. Indian Airlines Flight 605
- Date: February 14, 1990
- Time: 1:03 PM
- Route: Bombay to Bangalore
- Aircraft: Airbus A320-231 (1988)
- Onboard: 146 | Killed: 92
- Cause: Aircraft hit an embankment on landing. Debate over pilot error vs. aircraft design flaw.
✈️ 7. Indian Airlines Flight 257
- Date: August 16, 1991
- Time: 12:46 PM
- Route: Calcutta – Imphal – Dimapur
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-2A8 (1977)
- Onboard: 69 | Killed: 69
- Cause: The plane burst into flames over Loktak Lake. Pilot failed to follow operational protocol.
✈️ 8. Indian Airlines Flight 491
- Date: April 26, 1993
- Time: 1:06 PM
- Route: Aurangabad to Bombay
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-2A8 (1974)
- Onboard: 118 | Killed: 55
- Cause: Aircraft struck a lorry and power line after late rotation during takeoff. Multiple errors including road traffic mismanagement.
✈️ 9. Alliance Air Flight 7412
- Date: July 17, 2000
- Time: 7:34 AM
- Route: Calcutta – Patna – Lucknow – Delhi
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-2A8 (1980)
- Onboard: 128 | Killed: 60 (5 on ground)
- Cause: Crew failed to follow approach procedures while landing in Patna. Crashed into a residential area.
✈️ 10. Air India Express Flight 812
- Date: May 22, 2010
- Time: 6:05 AM
- Route: Dubai to Mangalore
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (2007)
- Onboard: 166 | Killed: 158
- Cause: The aircraft overshot the runway, fell off a hill and burst into flames. The captain ignored repeated warnings.
✈️ 11. Air India Flight AI 171
- Date: June 12, 2025
- Time: 1:39 PM
- Route: Ahmedabad to London
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (2013)
- Onboard: 242 | Killed: 241 (on-ground casualties awaited)
- Cause: The aircraft lost altitude after takeoff and crashed into B.J. Medical College. Investigation pending.
🧭 Conclusion
While aviation remains statistically one of the safest modes of travel, these tragic incidents emphasize the need for continuous improvements in technology, crew training, air traffic management, and maintenance protocols. Each accident tells a story—not only of loss but of systemic gaps that needed correction.