The devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 in June 2025 left 260 people dead, marking one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history. Among the wreckage and grief, one man survived: Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a U.K. national of Gujarati origin. His survival was described as miraculous, but the aftermath has been marked by profound trauma, legal disputes, and renewed scrutiny of aviation safety standards. This report provides a comprehensive account of the tragedy, the survivor’s ongoing struggles, and the broader implications for airline accountability and passenger safety.
The Crash of Air India Flight 171
Timeline of Events
On June 13, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad bound for London. Within minutes, the aircraft lost thrust in both engines after cockpit fuel cutoff switches were triggered almost simultaneously. The plane slammed into a building, killing 19 people on the ground and all passengers and crew except one.
Immediate Aftermath
Rescue teams arrived at the smoldering wreckage to find only one survivor, seated in 11A. Bloodied and in shock, Ramesh stumbled from the debris clutching his phone. His younger brother, seated nearby, was among the victims. The disaster prompted urgent investigations by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The Sole Survivor’s Struggle
Physical and Emotional Trauma
Ramesh sustained multiple injuries but the psychological toll has been far greater. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he has described being unable to communicate with his wife and son, isolating himself in his home in Leicester, England. He has repeatedly said, “I am the luckiest man alive, but I lost everything.”
Impact on Family Life
His inability to engage with loved ones highlights the long-term effects of PTSD. Survivors of aviation disasters often struggle with flashbacks, survivor’s guilt, and depression. Ramesh’s case has drawn attention to the need for comprehensive mental health support for survivors and families of victims.
Government and Airline Response
Air India’s Position
Air India initially offered interim compensation of less than $30,000, which Ramesh’s legal team rejected as inadequate. The airline has stated that supporting Ramesh remains a priority, but critics argue that its response has been slow and insufficient. Families of other victims have also raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Government Involvement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in hospital shortly after the crash, pledging support. However, families continue to demand clearer answers about the cause of the disaster and stronger commitments to aviation safety reforms.
Investigations and Findings
Preliminary Report
The AAIB’s preliminary report revealed that cockpit fuel cutoff switches were triggered within one second, leading to dual engine failure. Investigators are examining whether this was due to mechanical malfunction, human error, or sabotage. Boeing has cooperated with Indian authorities, but final conclusions have yet to be published.
Global Aviation Concerns
The incident has reignited debates about Boeing’s safety record, pilot training standards, and the adequacy of oversight in India’s aviation sector. International aviation experts stress that dual engine failure in modern aircraft is extremely rare, raising questions about systemic vulnerabilities.
Legal Battle and Compensation
Challenges in Securing Justice
Ramesh’s legal team has criticized Air India for offering inadequate compensation and failing to provide psychological support. International aviation law requires airlines to compensate victims’ families, but disputes often arise over amounts and timelines. Survivors like Ramesh face additional challenges due to the unique nature of their trauma.
Broader Implications
The case underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect passengers and ensure accountability. Aviation lawyers argue that survivors should receive not only financial compensation but also long-term medical and psychological care.
Human Resilience and Survivor’s Guilt
The Psychological Burden
Survivor’s guilt is a common phenomenon among those who live through mass tragedies. Ramesh’s repeated statements about being “lucky but broken” reflect this burden. Experts note that survivors often struggle to reconcile their survival with the loss of loved ones, leading to isolation and depression.
Support Systems
Psychologists emphasize the importance of therapy, community support, and structured rehabilitation programs. In Ramesh’s case, his withdrawal from family life highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to help survivors reintegrate into society.
Lessons for Aviation Safety
Key Areas of Reform
- Pilot Training: Enhanced simulator training to prepare for rare dual engine failure scenarios.
- Aircraft Design: Improved safeguards to prevent accidental or simultaneous fuel cutoff switch activation.
- Regulatory Oversight: Stronger monitoring by DGCA and international aviation bodies to ensure compliance.
- Passenger Support: Mandatory psychological care for survivors and families of victims.
- Transparency: Clear communication from airlines during crises to support grieving families.
- Compensation Standards: Internationally harmonized frameworks to ensure fair and timely payouts.
- Emergency Preparedness: Regular drills and updated safety protocols for crew and passengers.
Conclusion
The Air India Flight 171 disaster remains a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of aviation safety. While Viswash Kumar Ramesh’s survival is miraculous, his ongoing struggles with PTSD, isolation, and legal battles highlight the profound human cost of aviation tragedies. The incident has exposed gaps in airline accountability, government response, and survivor support systems. Moving forward, the lessons learned from this tragedy must drive reforms in aviation safety, legal protections, and mental health care to ensure that survivors and victims’ families receive the justice and support they deserve.
