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Air India Crash: What Is Mayday Call & Everything You Need To Know About It
An Air India flight bound for London's Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers, struggled to gain altitude and descended around 1:38 pm, resulting in a massive fireball.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, issued a "Mayday" call to Air Traffic Control shortly before losing contact with the aircraft.
Understanding the 'Mayday' Call
A Mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used primarily in aviation and maritime communication to indicate a life-threatening emergency. The term originates from the French phrase "m'aider," meaning "help me." Introduced in the 1920s, it is now a global standard protocol. The call is repeated three times—"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday"—to ensure clarity over noisy or poor-quality radio transmissions.
Issuing a Mayday Call
The person in command of a vehicle or vessel, typically a pilot or ship's captain, issues a Mayday call during severe emergencies. These situations can include engine failure, onboard fire, loss of control, or any scenario threatening the safety of those on board. In aviation, pilots communicate the Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) via radio. Occasionally, another nearby aircraft or ship may relay the call if the original caller loses communication.
Response After a Mayday Call
Once a Mayday is declared, all radio traffic on that frequency is cleared. The person in distress provides their location, nature of emergency, and other key details. ATC or emergency services then coordinate rescue efforts.
Details of the Ahmedabad Crash
Visuals from the crash site showed thick plumes of grey smoke rising as multiple ambulances and emergency teams rushed to the scene. Police have cordoned off the area and diverted traffic around the airport.
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