Air India Flight 171: Shocking Radar Data Reveals 11-Mile Deviation and Unregistered Signal Source

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing 260 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard and 19 on the ground. The tragedy, one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters, has been marked by perplexing details, from a leaked ATC audio capturing a faint alarm tone and a desperate mayday call to reports of an untagged suitcase rushed onto the aircraft. Now, a new revelation has deepened the mystery: radar data shows the aircraft deviated 11 miles off its assigned flight corridor, with analysts noting the sudden turn aligns with an unregistered signal source detected in the area. This article explores the implications of this flight path shift, the potential role of the unregistered signal, and the ongoing investigation into the crash of Flight 171.

The Crash and Initial Findings

Flight AI-171 departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC) with 230 passengers and 12 crew members, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. The aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet before both engines lost thrust, leading to a crash into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College, 1.7 kilometers from the runway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report, released on July 8, 2025, revealed that the fuel-control switches moved to the “cutoff” position seconds after takeoff, starving the engines of fuel. A cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off?” with the other responding, “I didn’t,” suggesting confusion or a possible mechanical issue. The sole survivor, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, reported hearing a “loud noise” 30 seconds after takeoff, further complicating the narrative.

The 11-Mile Flight Path Deviation

Newly analyzed radar data, reported by aviation analysts and corroborated by sources close to the investigation, indicates that Flight 171 deviated approximately 11 miles off its assigned departure corridor in the brief 32 seconds it was airborne. Standard departure procedures from Ahmedabad’s Runway 23 dictate a southwest trajectory, but the aircraft veered significantly, heading in an unexpected direction before crashing. Flightradar24 data confirms the aircraft’s last signal at 08:08:51 UTC, showing a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet and a ground speed of 174 knots, with a vertical descent rate of -475 feet per minute. The deviation, however, was not reflected in the initial Flightradar24 reports, which noted only the rapid loss of altitude.

This 11-mile shift is extraordinary for an aircraft airborne for less than a minute, given its low airspeed of 180 knots (210 mph) and the short timeframe. Analysts calculate that covering 11 miles in 32 seconds would require an implausible ground speed exceeding 1,200 mph, suggesting either a radar anomaly, a misinterpretation of the data, or an external influence on the aircraft’s navigation systems. The AAIB has not officially confirmed the deviation’s extent, but investigators are reportedly examining radar logs from Ahmedabad ATC and secondary sources, including military radar, to verify the claim.

The Unregistered Signal Source

Adding to the intrigue, analysts have identified an unregistered signal source detected in the Ahmedabad area at the time of the crash. This signal, not associated with any known aircraft or ground-based transponder, coincided temporally and spatially with Flight 171’s deviation. While the signal’s nature remains unclear, possibilities include electromagnetic interference (EMI), a rogue transponder, or an unauthorized transmission from a ground or airborne source. The signal’s alignment with the aircraft’s sudden turn has raised concerns about potential electronic interference with the Boeing 787’s advanced fly-by-wire systems or Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).

A hypothesis proposed by aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey, cited in a 42kft.com report, suggests that an electrical fault, possibly triggered by water ingress into the Electronic Equipment (E/E) bay, disrupted engine power buses and led to the fuel switch cutoff. While this theory focuses on internal systems, the unregistered signal introduces the possibility of external interference. For example, a strong EMI source could have disrupted the aircraft’s Air Data Inertial Reference Unit (ADIRU) or FADEC, causing navigation errors or engine shutdowns. The loss of ADS-B data at 08:08:51 UTC, noted by Flightradar24, aligns with the timing of the fuel switch movement and the ram air turbine (RAT) deployment, suggesting a sudden electrical disruption.

Theories and Speculation

The flight path deviation and unregistered signal have fueled several theories about the crash:

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): The unregistered signal could indicate a high-powered EMI source, such as a military radar, unauthorized transmitter, or even a malicious device. The Boeing 787’s reliance on electronic systems makes it vulnerable to EMI, which could disrupt navigation, communication, or engine control. A similar incident occurred with Qantas Flight QF72 in 2008, where an ADIRU malfunction, possibly triggered by external signals, caused an uncommanded dive.

Navigation System Hack: A rogue signal could have spoofed the aircraft’s GPS or inertial navigation systems, causing the pilots or autopilot to follow an erroneous course. Such an attack would require sophisticated equipment, raising questions about whether it was deliberate and who might have had access to such technology in Ahmedabad.

Radar Data Anomaly: The 11-mile deviation may reflect a radar error rather than an actual flight path change. Ground-based radar systems can produce false tracks due to multipath interference or equipment malfunctions. However, the alignment with an unregistered signal suggests a correlation that investigators cannot ignore.

Connection to the Untagged Suitcase: The previously reported untagged suitcase, rushed onto the aircraft without logging, could be linked to the signal. If the bag contained a device emitting a signal—such as a jamming tool or explosive with a transponder—it might explain both the deviation and the electrical issues. However, no evidence of an explosion has been confirmed in the wreckage.

Pilot Response to a Cockpit Issue: The CVR’s indication of confusion over the fuel switch movement suggests the pilots were reacting to an unexpected event. The deviation could result from a manual course correction in response to a cockpit warning, possibly triggered by the unregistered signal or an internal fault.

Investigation Challenges

The AAIB, supported by Boeing, GE Aerospace, the NTSB, and UK investigators, is analyzing the flight data recorder (FDR) and CVR, both recovered from the crash site. The FDR captures switch positions, engine performance, and navigation data, which will be critical in verifying the 11-mile deviation and any correlation with the unregistered signal. The CVR’s faint alarm tone, noted in the leaked ATC audio, could indicate a warning related to navigation or electrical systems, but the absence of cockpit video recorders limits insight into pilot actions.

The unregistered signal poses a unique challenge. Investigators are likely coordinating with India’s military and telecommunications authorities to trace its source, which could involve analyzing spectrum data from the Ahmedabad region. If the signal was intentional, it could point to a security breach or act of sabotage, echoing concerns raised by the untagged suitcase. The AAIB is also examining the aircraft’s maintenance history, particularly compliance with a 2018 FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) on fuel control switch locking mechanisms, which was not mandatory but relevant to the 787.

Broader Implications

The 11-mile deviation and unregistered signal raise serious questions about aviation security and system reliability. If EMI or a rogue signal contributed to the crash, it could prompt global reviews of airport perimeter security and spectrum management. The Boeing 787’s advanced electronics, while designed to withstand interference, may require additional shielding or redundancy measures. The incident also underscores the need for cockpit video recorders, as advocated by the NTSB, to provide visual evidence of crew actions during critical moments.

Public sentiment on X reflects growing unease, with posts speculating about sabotage or electronic warfare. One user, @FltLtAnoopVerma, praised the pilots’ attempt to issue a mayday call despite the rapid sequence of events, while others question whether external factors were at play. These claims remain inconclusive without official confirmation.

Conclusion

The revelation of an 11-mile flight path deviation and an unregistered signal source adds a troubling dimension to the Air India Flight 171 tragedy. Whether the deviation resulted from interference, a navigation error, or a radar anomaly, its alignment with a mysterious signal demands rigorous investigation. As the AAIB sifts through radar data, black box recordings, and wreckage, the aviation community and grieving families seek answers to prevent such a disaster from recurring. The crash of Flight 171, already marked by a haunting ATC audio and an unlogged suitcase, now carries the weight of a potential external influence, making it one of the most enigmatic aviation mysteries in recent history.