In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of nearly all 242 people on board, one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived.

Air India Survivor

Reports indicate that he was seated in 11A, a window seat in the forward economy section of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. 

Air India Plane Crash

This incident has sparked discussions about which seats on an airplane are statistically safer in the event of a crash. While no seat can guarantee survival, certain patterns have emerged from historical data. Studies have shown that passengers seated towards the rear of the aircraft tend to have higher survival rates (here). For instance, a 2007 study by Popular Mechanics analyzed 35 years of crash data and found that passengers sitting in the rear third of the plane were 40% more likely to survive than those in the front. However, it’s important to note that these findings are based on statistical analysis and not on specific crash scenarios.

Air India Flight

In the case of Flight AI171, the crash occurred approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, during the initial climbout phase. The aircraft was still on the runway’s extended centerline, and the wings remained level throughout the flight. The weather was stable with clear visibility, and the landing gear had not been retracted. The aircraft crashed into a residential area near B.J. Medical College, causing significant collateral damage. (here)

Given the unique circumstances of this crash, it’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions about seat safety. The survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, may be attributed to a combination of factors, including his proximity to an emergency exit and the specific dynamics of the crash. While statistical analyses provide general insights, each aviation incident is unique, and survival can depend on numerous variables.

As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, it’s crucial to approach discussions about seat safety with caution. Survival in aviation accidents is influenced by a multitude of factors, and while certain patterns can inform safety practices, they do not guarantee outcomes.

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Published by HOLR Magazine