✕ ☰
Health & FitnessSpiritualTravelRelationshipTrendingFashion & BeautyLife HacksPets & Animals

Why Planes Crash: Common Causes and How the Ahmedabad Tragedy Fits In

Ayush Singh | Jun 13, 2025, 10:55 IST
( Image credit : IANS )

Highlight of the story: This article explores the recent Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed over 250 lives, placing it within the broader context of global aviation disasters. It humanizes the tragedy, unpacks the leading causes of plane crashes—from mechanical failures and pilot error to maintenance lapses and weather conditions—and highlights how systemic issues may have contributed to the fatal outcome. The piece aims to raise critical questions about safety, regulation, and accountability in the aviation sector.


aviation safety
( Image credit : ANI )
Ahmedabad woke up to devastation when a routine flight turned into a catastrophic nightmare. Over 250 lives were lost—a number that echoes through every alleyway, every household glued to TV screens, seeking answers. While air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like these remind us that when things go wrong at 35,000 feet, they go very wrong.
So what causes a plane to fall from the sky? And more importantly, where does the Ahmedabad tragedy fit into the bigger picture?
Let’s explore.

Flying High but Fragile: The Myth of Absolute Safety

We often assume a plane crash is a freak incident—one in a million. And that’s mostly true. But even rare events have reasons behind them. It’s never just one mistake. It’s a chain of small failures—mechanical, human, or environmental—that culminate in disaster.

1. Mechanical Failures: When Machines Betray

Despite routine maintenance and technology upgrades, planes are still machines. And like any machine, they can fail.
Engine malfunction: A bird strike, fuel contamination, or overheating can cause sudden engine shutdown.Hydraulic failure: This affects landing gears and flaps—key components that control a plane’s movement.Sensor errors: If sensors give faulty readings, pilots may receive incorrect data about altitude or speed.In the Ahmedabad crash, early sources suggest there may have been a technical glitch right after takeoff. Eyewitnesses described hearing “odd engine noises” before the aircraft descended rapidly.

2. Pilot Error: The Human Element at 35,000 Feet

Even the most experienced pilots are human. And human error remains one of the most common causes of aviation accidents.
Misjudging altitudeMiscommunication with air traffic controlFatigue or stressIncorrect response to emergenciesIn a high-pressure situation, decisions are made in seconds. A wrong move can turn a minor issue into a major tragedy.
In this case, preliminary ATC (Air Traffic Control) records hint at a delay in emergency response communication. The pilot reportedly tried to turn back to the airport, but the aircraft couldn’t sustain altitude.

3. Weather Woes: Nature’s Unpredictable Fury

Turbulence. Lightning. Low visibility. Sudden storms.
Weather is a silent but deadly factor in many air disasters. Even with modern radar and forecasting systems, not every anomaly can be predicted or avoided in real-time.
Ahmedabad had reported clear weather conditions that day, which makes weather less likely as the prime culprit—but unexpected wind shear or sudden downdrafts cannot yet be ruled out entirely.

4. Maintenance Lapses: When Cost-Cutting Costs Lives

Budget constraints and negligence can often mean skipped checks or delayed part replacements. In countries where aviation safety isn't strictly enforced, such oversights can prove fatal.
While India’s aviation sector is generally well-regulated, there have been past reports of underfunded operators compromising on aircraft maintenance. Investigators are now closely examining the flight’s maintenance logs for any red flags.

5. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Miscommunication

ATC plays a crucial role in guiding flights safely through busy air corridors. But even here, mistakes can happen:
Conflicting instructions to multiple aircraftDelays in granting landing or takeoff clearanceMisinterpreted coordinatesIn 1996, the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision near Delhi—India’s deadliest aviation disaster—was traced back to ATC miscommunication. Thankfully, such incidents have reduced since then, but no system is entirely foolproof.

6. Bird Strikes: A Feathered Threat

It sounds almost absurd, but birds can bring down aircraft—especially during takeoff or landing when planes are closest to bird flight paths.
If a bird gets sucked into the engine, it can damage turbine blades and lead to engine failure. A similar event occurred during the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009 when Captain Chesley Sullenberger safely landed a US Airways flight on the Hudson River.
Local reports from Ahmedabad mention large bird populations near the crash zone. Investigators are examining whether a bird strike played a role in the engine malfunction

7. Sabotage or Terrorism (Rare but Real)

While rare, sabotage, cyber-attacks, or deliberate crashes are also on the list of potential causes. Thankfully, there’s no indication of foul play in the Ahmedabad incident so far. But authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

The Black Box: Where the Truth Lies

Every aircraft is fitted with two “black boxes”—one records flight data, the other records cockpit conversations. These are crucial in post-crash investigations.
Recovery teams in Ahmedabad have already retrieved the black boxes. The next few weeks will reveal whether this was a preventable tragedy or an unavoidable act of fate.

Families Left in the Dark: The Human Cost of Aviation Failures

Ahmedabad Air Tragedy
( Image credit : IANS )
While experts dissect data and press conferences deliver dry updates, the real story lies in the grief-stricken families. Children waiting for parents who’ll never return. Partners who said goodbye that morning, not knowing it was forever.
The aviation community often emphasizes numbers and safety percentages. But each crash is personal. Each life lost is a world gone silent.

Can We Make Flying Safer? Yes—and No

Aviation has come a long way. Today’s flights are safer than ever. But no system is invincible.
Here’s what improves safety:
Stricter regulations on maintenance and checksAdvanced training for pilots and crewInvestment in infrastructure like better ATC radar and runway lightingEmergency response preparedness in cities near major airportsBut at the end of the day, flying always carries a sliver of risk. Our job, as a society, is to ensure that risk is as close to zero as humanly possible.

Lessons from Ahmedabad

mechanical failure in pla
( Image credit : IANS )
The Ahmedabad plane crash isn’t just an isolated tragedy. It’s a wake-up call—a reminder that even with all our progress, complacency kills.
Over 250 lives were lost, but their stories shouldn’t disappear in the noise of technical jargon or bureaucracy. If anything good can come out of this horror, it’s this: stricter audits, more accountability, and the courage to ask hard questions.
Because the next time a plane takes off, it shouldn’t be a gamble. It should be a guarantee.

Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Tags:
  • ahmedabad plane crash
  • why planes crash
  • aviation safety india
  • common causes of plane crashes
  • black box investigation
  • pilot error crash
  • mechanical failure in planes
  • bird strike danger
  • aircraft maintenance lapse
  • air traffic control mistake