By The Evening Sentinel | Transport & History Desk
In its coverage of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad—which claimed 279 lives on 12 June 2025—ITV News has drawn attention to a remarkable and chilling aviation coincidence that stretches back six decades.
✈️ Uncanny Parallels Across 60 Years
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In April 1965, British United Airways Flight 1030X, a Douglas C‑47 carrying 27 people, crashed while attempting to land in dense fog at Jersey in the Channel Islands. Only one flight attendant survived ca.news.yahoo.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7youtube.com+7en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
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Now, in June 2025, another British-linked accident has struck—Air India 787‑8 Flight 171 also experienced a fatal crash under poor conditions shortly after take-off, killing almost everyone on board and injuring many on the ground .
ITV commentators highlighted the eerie resonance between both incidents: two British aircraft types, similar weather conditions, and nearly total loss of life. The rare survivor stories in both tragedies further deepened the emotional impact—compelling nearly hourly recalls of history repeating itself.
📡 From Jersey to Ahmedabad
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Flight 1030X attempted a landing in poor visibility, struck lighting poles, and plummeted into an open field itv.comen.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
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In Ahmedabad, Flight 171 lost control during initial ascent, crashing into a hostel building under clear skies—a mysterious twist still under investigation en.wikipedia.org+1theguardian.com+1.
ITV’s segments emphasised how aviation’s relentless progress still sometimes meets grim echoes from decades past.
🌐 Why It Matters
The resurfacing of Flight 1030X during the Ahmedabad coverage has sparked discussion on:
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The psychological resonance of parallels between aviation disasters.
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How historical accidents can shape modern aviation policy and safety protocols.
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The rare documentary proof that Britain has endured tragic losses separated by 60 years but haunted by similar themes: technology, weather, and human cost.
Aviation analysts on ITV stressed that such comparisons are not meant to be sensational—they serve to map change and reinforce vigilance in an industry relentlessly evolving toward zero-incident goals.
🔎 What's Next in Investigation
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The Air India inquiry, led by India’s AAIB with international cooperation, is analysing black-box data and mechanical failures wymt.com+6theguardian.com+6ca.news.yahoo.com+6en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
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British aviation authorities are reportedly reviewing historical archives in light of these parallels, seeking broader lessons in accident response and cross-border crisis coordination.
🕰️ Final Reflection
From foggy Channel Islands landings to alarming crashes near university housing in Ahmedabad, ITV’s coverage has reminded viewers that aviation tragedy—though rare—can echo across time and distance.
Despite six decades of improved technology, nature, machinery, and human fate still intertwine in ways that demand our collective attention, empathy, and resolve.