Case Study: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Investigation

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Date of Incident: June 2025

Location: Near Ahmedabad International Airport

Aircraft Type: Commercial passenger aircraft

Casualties: 79 passengers on board; 41 fatalities reported

Nature of Crash: Mid-air mechanical failure suspected; possibility of sabotage under investigation



Introduction

On a quiet morning in June 2025, a commercial airliner en route from Ahmedabad to Delhi crashed shortly after takeoff. Initial reports indicated mid-air mechanical failure; however, evidence soon suggested the need for a multi-disciplinary forensic investigation. This case study outlines how various forensic and investigative domains collaboratively approached the incident to determine cause, accountability, and lessons learned.




1. Forensic Science

Core Function: Evidence analysis, victim identification, residue detection

  • Scene Evidence Collection: Forensic teams collected body parts, luggage remnants, flight manuals, fuel-soaked soil, and aircraft debris.

  • Victim Identification: DNA profiling and dental records were used to identify fragmented remains of passengers.

  • Trace and Chemical Analysis: Residue on the fuselage and passenger clothing was analyzed for traces of accelerants or explosives.

  • Black Box Analysis: Forensic acoustics helped isolate last recorded noises, helping correlate mechanical failure with possible explosion patterns.

2. Aviation Engineering

Core Function: Mechanical and technical cause analysis

  • Wreckage Reconstruction: Engineers reconstructed portions of the aircraft to examine wing integrity, engine failure, and control surface damage.

  • Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Review: Analysis showed abnormal vibrations and hydraulic failure in the left engine.

  • Maintenance History: Investigation revealed irregularities in the last two technical inspections—raising red flags on engine servicing and corrosion management.

3. Criminal Investigation



Core Function: Foul play, motives, suspects

  • Security Footage Review: CCTV footage from the cargo loading area showed a ground technician with unauthorized access.

  • Background Checks: One ground crew member was found to have links to extremist groups. His movements were tracked via mobile tower triangulation.

  • Interrogations: Several suspects, including maintenance staff and airport personnel, were interrogated for potential involvement or negligence.

  • Sabotage Angle: The possibility of a planted device or intentional fuel line tampering was not ruled out.

4. Pathology

Core Function: Cause and manner of death, trauma analysis

  • Autopsy Findings: Majority of fatalities were due to blunt force trauma and thermal injuries.

  • Inhalation Injuries: Several victims had high levels of carbon monoxide in blood, indicating fire exposure before death.

  • Manner of Death: Ruled as accidental with suspicion of external foul play under secondary review.

5. Fire/Explosives Investigation

Core Function: Detects fire/bomb origin, identifies explosive compounds

  • Blast Pattern Study: Fire damage showed a pattern consistent with a localized internal explosion, possibly in cargo.

  • Explosive Residue Analysis: Nitrates and RDX traces were detected in the cargo bay, pointing to a military-grade explosive.

  • Ignition Source: Likely triggered by a time-delay or remote ignition device.

6. Cybercrime Investigation

Core Function: Investigates digital attacks or system sabotage

  • Aircraft Software Audit: Flight control logs indicated a brief override of autopilot—potentially due to an external signal.

  • Airport Network Breach: Logs showed unauthorized remote access to ground-level maintenance systems 12 hours before the crash.

  • Crew Communication Interference: Evidence of jamming frequencies and manipulated tower commands in the last 30 seconds before crash.

Conclusion

The Ahmedabad plane crash demonstrated the critical need for interdisciplinary forensic investigation in aviation disasters. While mechanical failure initially seemed the cause, detailed analysis revealed possible sabotage, systemic lapses, and cyber intrusion. The integration of forensic science, aviation engineering, pathology, criminal intelligence, fire investigation, and cyber forensics brought clarity to a complex and tragic event.

Recommendations

  • Improved Cybersecurity Protocols for aviation systems

  • Strict Oversight on airport maintenance and access control

  • Cross-Training between aviation experts and forensic scientists

  • Regular Simulation Drills for multi-disciplinary disaster response

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