Key Facts
One year after India's deadliest plane crash, a teenager from Gujarat remains deeply affected by what he witnessed. Aryan Asari, now 18, inadvertently recorded the final moments of Air India flight AI-171 as it crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The disaster claimed 260 lives — 229 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 people on the ground.
How the Teen Captured the Crash
Aryan had traveled from his native village in Meghraj taluka, Aravalli district, to Ahmedabad to visit his father, retired Army soldier Magan Asari. On the day of the crash, he stood on the terrace of his father's home in Meghaninagar and saw a plane flying low. Wanting to show his friends back home, he started recording.
"I went to Ahmedabad for the first time and saw a plane from such a close distance. I took out my mobile phone and started recording because I wanted to show it to my friends back in the village," Aryan recalled in an interview with PTI.
"Suddenly, the plane started coming down and then crashed into a huge fireball. I was terrified. I had never imagined something like that could happen in front of my eyes," he added.
Psychological Impact and Fear of Flying
The experience left Aryan traumatized. He now believes that if he records a plane, another disaster might occur. "After that incident, I stopped filming aeroplanes on my mobile phone. Now I am scared that if I record a plane, it may also crash," he admitted.
Although he dreams of traveling abroad someday, he says he lacks the courage to board a flight.
Life After the Crash: From Village Boy to 'Aeroplane Boy'
Aryan's video quickly went viral, making him a local celebrity. "When I came back to my village, everyone wanted to see the video. My friends told me that I had become famous," he said with a shy smile. "Recently, I went to attend a wedding and many people came up to me asking, 'Are you the same aeroplane boy?' I told them yes."
He has since completed his Class 12 exams and is preparing for college.
What Readers Should Know
- The crash occurred 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
- The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner headed to London Gatwick.
- No official cause has been determined yet, one year on.
FAQ
Who is Aryan Asari?
Aryan Asari is an 18-year-old from Gujarat's Aravalli district who accidentally recorded the Air India crash on June 12, 2025.
What happened to Air India flight AI-171?
AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 229 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 people on ground.
Why is Aryan Asari called 'Aeroplane Boy'?
He became known as 'Aeroplane Boy' after his video of the crash went viral, making him famous in his village.