Air travel is widely considered one of the safest modes of transportation. Yet, when aviation accidents occur, they often result in catastrophic consequences. Air India, the country’s flagship carrier, has witnessed several air crashes throughout its long history—each one a tragic event that reshaped the airline’s safety protocols and the broader Indian aviation industry.
This article provides an in-depth look at major Air India plane crashes, analyzing causes, outcomes, and how each incident led to reforms in flight safety and operations.
A Historical Overview of Air India
Founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata, Air India has grown from a small domestic carrier to an international airline representing the nation on global routes. Over the decades, it has operated a wide range of aircraft—from propeller planes to modern wide-body jets.
Unfortunately, in its 90-year history, the airline has also experienced a number of tragic accidents, most of them during the mid-to-late 20th century when aviation technology was still maturing.
Major Air India Plane Crashes: Timeline and Summary
Notable Incidents
The following table summarizes major Air India plane crashes that made significant headlines and led to industry-wide changes.
Date
Flight No.
Location
Aircraft Type
Fatalities
Summary
Jan 24, 1966
AI 101
Mont Blanc, France
Boeing 707
117
Crash into Mont Blanc; all on board perished
Jun 23, 1985
AI 182
Off the Irish Coast
Boeing 747
329
Mid-air bombing; deadliest air terror attack
May 22, 2010
IX 812
Mangalore, India
Boeing 737-800
158
Overshot runway and fell into a gorge
Aug 7, 2020
IX 1344
Kozhikode (Calicut), India
Boeing 737-800
21
Overshoot and breakup upon landing in heavy rain
The 1985 Air India Flight 182 Bombing
Perhaps the most infamous and devastating air disaster involving Air India was the bombing of Flight 182, also known as the Kanishka Bombing.
Flight Route: Toronto → Montreal → London → Delhi
Incident: A bomb planted by Khalistani extremists exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland.
Casualties: All 329 people on board died, making it the deadliest aviation terror attack before 9/11.
Highlighted the importance of passenger screening and baggage checks.
Led to intelligence reforms between international agencies.
Air India Express Flight 812 (2010) – Mangalore Tragedy
This tragic crash involved a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Dubai. The plane overshot the tabletop runway in Mangalore, fell into a gorge, and burst into flames.
Fatalities: 158 out of 166 people on board
Primary Cause: Pilot error and landing approach misjudgment
Key Outcomes
Reinforcement of safety protocols for landing at tabletop airports.
Mandated stricter pilot training for difficult terrains.
Installation of advanced landing systems at high-risk airports.
Kozhikode Crash (2020): IX 1344
Another Air India Express flight crashed under similar circumstances in Kozhikode, Kerala, during the COVID-19 Vande Bharat mission. The aircraft skidded off a wet runway during heavy rain, broke into two parts, and led to 21 fatalities, including both pilots.
Comparison Between Mangalore & Kozhikode Crashes
Factor
Mangalore (2010)
Kozhikode (2020)
Type of Airport
Tabletop
Tabletop
Fatalities
158
21
Cause
Pilot overshoot
Wet runway, poor visibility
Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800
Safety Reforms Post Crash
Yes
Yes
Causes of Air India Plane Crashes
Understanding the root causes of these incidents helps prevent similar tragedies in the future. While each crash had unique contributing factors, several common themes emerge.
Most Common Causes
Human Error – Miscommunication between pilot and air traffic control – Pilot fatigue and approach miscalculation
Weather Conditions – Low visibility, heavy rain, wind shear at landing
Technical Failures – Engine malfunctions or instrument errors
Runway Safety Issues – Short runways, poorly lit paths, inadequate emergency overrun areas
Security Lapses – In the case of Flight 182, terrorism due to inadequate security checks
Aviation Safety Reforms Post-Crashes
Following each major Air India crash, there were nationwide and international aviation reforms.
India’s Civil Aviation Measures
DGCA Oversight: Strengthened regulatory oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Pilot Rest Rules: Introduced stricter duty and rest periods for flight crew.
Enhanced Training: Simulation training introduced for tabletop runways and bad weather.
Improved Runway Infrastructure: Upgraded lighting, length, and drainage systems.
Air Crash Investigation Bureau (AAIB): Set up for transparent and detailed post-crash investigations.
Emotional and Social Impact
These tragedies affected hundreds of families, and for many, closure came years later. The victims' families of Flight 182, in particular, fought for decades for justice and acknowledgment from governments.
Media coverage, national mourning, and yearly commemorations have made these crashes part of the collective memory of India’s aviation history.
Lessons for the Future
Each Air India plane crash has left behind a legacy—not only of grief but also of transformation. These lessons have helped shape:
Stricter Safety Guidelines
Better Emergency Response Systems
Greater Transparency in Air Crash Reports
Global Collaboration on Flight Security
Air travel today is significantly safer because of the hard lessons learned from past mistakes.
Final Thoughts
The term “Air India plane crash” invokes powerful memories of lives lost, families broken, and hard-won lessons. These tragedies, while painful, have not gone in vain. They have served as catalysts for systemic safety improvements and have reminded us of the enormous responsibility that airlines and regulatory bodies carry.
As Air India enters a new phase under the Tata Group, it carries with it both the legacy and the lessons of the past. The commitment now is not just to connect cities and nations—but to do so safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
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