The recent crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad has once again raised serious concerns about aviation safety in India. This tragic incident has reminded many of previous major air disasters that have taken place across the country over the years.

The last major accident before this happened in 2020, when a flight crash-landed in Calicut, leading to the death of 21 people. As authorities now investigate the latest accident, here’s a look at some of the worst civilian air crashes in India’s aviation history.

2020: Calicut crash kills 21

On August 7, 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai crashed while landing at Calicut (Kozhikode) International Airport. The runway was wet, and the aircraft skidded off before splitting into two parts. Sadly, 21 people lost their lives.

2010: Mangalore runway disaster

On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway at Mangalore Airport. The plane crashed into a gorge, breaking apart and killing 158 passengers. It remains one of the deadliest crashes in recent years.

2000: Patna crash due to pilot error

A flight operated by Alliance Air, Flight 7412, crashed on July 17, 2000, while landing at Patna Airport. The crash was linked to a loss of control caused by pilot error, and over 60 people died.

1996: India’s worst air disaster

On November 12, 1996, two planes, one operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines and the other by Kazakhstan Airlines, collided mid-air near Charkhi Dadri, close to Delhi. This crash killed 349 people, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in India’s history. Investigations pointed to pilot error and communication failure with air traffic control.

1993: Aurangabad crash after takeoff

On April 26, 1993, Indian Airlines Flight 491 crashed soon after taking off from Aurangabad. It struck a truck and power lines during ascent. A total of 55 people died in this incident.

1991: Crash in Imphal

On August 16, 1991, Indian Airlines Flight 257 crashed while approaching Imphal. Tragically, all 69 people on board died.

1990: Bangalore tragedy kills 92

Indian Airlines Flight 605, an Airbus A320, crashed while landing at Bangalore on February 14, 1990. The crash killed 92 passengers and was one of the deadliest involving a modern Airbus aircraft in India.

1988: Major crash in Ahmedabad

On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed during landing at Ahmedabad, the same city as this week’s crash. It resulted in 133 deaths.

1982: Bombay airport crash

Air India Flight 403 crashed while landing at Bombay Airport on June 21, 1982. The crash killed 17 people.

1978: Boeing crash in Arabian Sea

On January 1, 1978, Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff from Mumbai. All 213 people on board were killed.

These past disasters, along with the most recent crash, have highlighted the importance of constant safety checks and upgrades in India’s aviation system. Investigations are underway, and more updates on the Ahmedabad incident are expected soon.

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