37 Years Earlier: The Ahmedabad Air Crash That Time Forgot
On a quiet day in 1988, Ahmedabad witnessed a devastating air crash that claimed numerous lives and left a deep scar on India's aviation history. Often overshadowed by more recent incidents, this crash remains one of the city's darkest moments.
The Incident
On October 19, 1988, an Indian Airlines flight (IC-113), a Boeing 737 aircraft, was en route from Bombay (now Mumbai) to Ahmedabad. As it approached the city’s airport in poor visibility conditions, the aircraft tragically crashed into the nearby village of Chiloda. The crash occurred barely five minutes before it was scheduled to land.
Casualties and Damage
The accident killed 133 passengers and crew members on board, leaving only a handful of survivors. Several villagers were also injured. The crash site was engulfed in flames, complicating rescue operations. Most of the deceased were identified only through personal belongings or DNA matching due to the intensity of the fire.
Investigative Findings
A subsequent investigation blamed a combination of poor visibility, navigational miscommunication, and pilot error. There were also questions raised about the functioning of the airport’s Instrument Landing System (ILS), which was reportedly not operational at the time.
Impact on Aviation Policy
The tragedy prompted a reassessment of aviation safety protocols in India. Improvements were later made in navigation technology, pilot training, and emergency response systems. The crash became a reference point for future aviation reform discussions in India.
Public Memory
Despite the scale of the tragedy, the Ahmedabad crash of 1988 is rarely mentioned in public memory. Unlike more recent aviation disasters, it did not receive long-term media attention or memorials. For the families of the victims, however, the memory remains vivid and pai
FAQ
Q1: What caused the 1988 Ahmedabad air crash?
A: The crash was attributed to a combination of poor visibility, pilot error, and lack of functioning navigational aids at the airport.
Q2: How many people died in the Ahmedabad air crash?
A: The crash resulted in the deaths of 133 people, including passengers and crew.
Q3: What changes were made after the Ahmedabad crash?
A: The crash led to aviation safety improvements such as upgraded Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), better training for pilots, and stricter landing protocols.
Q4: Is there a memorial for the crash victims?
A: No official public memorial exists, and the tragedy remains largely absent from public commemoration.
Q5: Why is the Ahmedabad air crash not widely remembered today?
A: It was overshadowed by later aviation incidents and lacked sustained media attention, resulting in it being a forgotten chapter in Indian aviation history.
Published on : JUNE 22, 2025
Uploaded by : MANJULA
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