As Air India flight crashes, a look at checks planes undergo

An Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed soon after it took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday. There was an inferno and a huge plume of smoke after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London's Gatwick Airport crashed near the airport, visuals showed.

The Air India flight 171 had 280 passengers and 12 crew members on board and took off from the Ahmedabad airport at around 1.38 pm on Thursday and crashed five minutes later. Emergency services rushed to the spot following the crash, including seven fire engines.

After the crash, authorities swung into action with rescue operations launched. Also, they are trying to ascertain the cause which could have possibly led to the unfortunate incident.

We take a look at the checks a flight goes through on a regular basis as per the set norms.

A-Check: The first stage of checks is the most basic and frequent type of aircraft maintenance, typically performed every 400-600 flight hours or 200–300 flights. It involves detailed inspections, fluid level checks, filter changes, and minor system tests.

B-Check: This is a comprehensive aircraft maintenance check performed every six to eight months. It usually takes one to three days to complete and is typically done in an airport hangar.

C-Check: This is a comprehensive aircraft maintenance check performed every 18 to 24 months, or after a specific number of flight hours, depending on the aircraft type.

D-Check: The fourth state in aircraft maintenance is the most comprehensive and extensive type of scheduled maintenance, also known as a "Heavy Maintenance Visit" (HMV). It involves a thorough inspection, repair, and overhaul of the entire aircraft, including the structural components, engines, and systems. The D-Check typically occurs every six to 10 years, depending on the aircraft type and usage, and can take several weeks to complete.

Hotline number 1800 5691 444 can be dialled to get updates on passengers directly from Air India.