India's Deadliest Plane Crashes: From 1973 to Ahmedabad 2025

By Sushant Agarwal

Published on | Jun 13, 2025

India’s Darkest Aviation Tragedies

From mid-air collisions to crashes in poor weather, India has seen many heartbreaking aviation disasters.

Air India Flight 171 – June 2025

A London-bound Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad killing 241 out of 242 onboard. Only one passenger miraculously survived.

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Air India Express Flight 1344 (2020)

During a repatriation mission in Kozhikode, the Boeing 737 plane skidded off a wet tabletop runway and split in two, killing 21 of the 190 on board.

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Air India Express Flight 812 (2010)

Landing in Mangaluru, this Boeing 737 overshot the runway & plunged into a gorge. The fiery crash killed 158 people & exposed tabletop runway risks.

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Alliance Air Flight 7412 (2000)

While landing in Patna, the Boeing 737 plane crashed into a residential area after stalling. 60 people, including five on the ground, were killed.

Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996)

India's worst air disaster: Mid-air jet collision near Delhi kills 349, prompting mandatory TCAS installation for all commercial aircraft.

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Indian Airlines Flight 491 (1993)

In Aurangabad, the Boeing 737 aircraft hit a truck on the runway and crashed. At least 55 people died due to mismanagement during takeoff.

Indian Airlines Flight 257 (1991)

On approach to Imphal in poor weather, the Boeing 737 plane crashed into a hill. All 69 onboard were killed due to navigational & equipment failures.

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Indian Airlines Flight 605 (1990)

This Airbus A320 crashed while landing in Bengaluru, killing 92. Pilot unfamiliarity with the new cockpit systems was a key factor.

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Indian Airlines Flight 113 (1988)

Approaching Ahmedabad in poor visibility, the Boeing 737 aircraft hit trees and crashed before the runway. 133 of 135 onboard died.

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Air India Flight 403 (1982)

Landing in Mumbai during rain, the Boeing 707 plane overshot the runway & caught fire. The accident killed 17 and highlighted runway drainage issues.

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Air India Flight 855 (1978)

Just 101 seconds after takeoff from Mumbai, the Boeing 747 plunged into the sea due to instrument error and spatial disorientation. All 213 died.

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Indian Airlines Flight 440 (1973)

This Boeing 737 aircraft struck power lines during approach to Delhi in bad weather. Of 65 onboard, 48 died, including minister Mohan Kumaramangalam.

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