Today, I was shocked while watching the news. There was a report that a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed during takeoff at Ahmedabad Airport in India.

When taking off, the aircraft is loaded with fuel for long-distance flights, so if a malfunction or problem occurs at this point, the impact can easily break the airframe and cause the fuel tank to explode. Although aviation fuel is slightly less volatile than regular car fuel, if it spills in large quantities, the speed of fire spread is very fast, leading to much greater fire damage in confined spaces, buildings, and nearby residences it is said.

At 1:39 PM local time, this aircraft took off from runway 23, only to rise about 625 feet, or approximately 190 meters, before crashing and hitting a nearby medical school dormitory dining hall, resulting in an explosion. As a result, nearby hospitals and residential areas suffered significant damage, and not only the passengers but also civilians on the ground were casualties.

The fact that the pilots shouted 'Mayday' right after takeoff suggests that something unusual was detected, but unfortunately, communication was lost afterward. The landing gear of the accident aircraft was still extended, and the flaps were in a folded position, raising the possibility of a system malfunction or operational issue during takeoff.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a medium-sized, long-range passenger aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology. It is evaluated as an eco-friendly model that significantly reduces airframe weight by using carbon composite materials and minimizes noise and exhaust emissions with the latest engine technology. Since its first flight in 2011, it has been actively operated by airlines worldwide and is generally classified as a very safe aircraft.

However, in 2013, there was a temporary grounding of flights worldwide due to battery overheating and fire issues, after which improvements were made to the battery system and safety devices were strengthened. Since then, no fatal accidents due to major aircraft defects have been reported, and most incidents or accidents have occurred due to external factors or pilot errors.

This incident in India seems to have been influenced more by unexpected situations and pilot/management variables during takeoff than by structural issues with the Dreamliner itself.

The only survivor rescued from the scene, British-Indian Vishwasi Kumar Ramesh, said, "There was a loud noise just 30 seconds after takeoff, and it crashed before people had a chance to react." He managed to escape from the burning wreckage.

So far, 204 confirmed deaths have been reported from this accident. Among the passengers were 11 children and 2 infants, and many medical students who had gathered for lunch in the dormitory dining hall were also victims. Some reports suggest that there were no survivors among the 50 to 60 students present in the dining hall.

Hearing this news makes me realize once again the weight of the moment of 'airplane takeoff.' Many people think that mid-flight or landing is more dangerous, but in fact, a significant number of aviation accidents occur just after takeoff or just before landing.

The reason is simple. An airplane must accelerate to maximum power on the runway to gain lift and ascend into the air. At this time, the altitude is low, and the speed is not completely stable, so there is almost no time to respond to small problems. Especially right after takeoff, the aircraft is fully loaded with fuel and is at its heaviest, so if a problem occurs, the situation becomes more complicated.

Moreover, most major city airports are close to residential or commercial areas, so if a crash occurs, the ground damage is significant. Just like this accident. The front of the aircraft hit the dining hall building, and part of the fuselage fell on a building where families of doctors lived, forcing many to jump from the building to escape the fire.

Aviation accidents are always serious, but this incident that occurred simultaneously with takeoff is particularly heartbreaking.

An airplane flying in the sky. We take for granted the journey while enjoying snacks and movies in comfortable seats, but in reality, all of this is the result of countless intersecting variables. Especially takeoff is a complex moment that requires the perfect alignment of the pilot's focus, the aircraft's condition, and weather conditions.

As someone who frequently flies, I always take a moment to breathe when taking off. I sometimes bow my head as if in silent prayer. And every time I land and the seatbelt sign goes off, I feel a sense of relief in my heart.

This accident has claimed many lives. And it has disrupted the daily lives of many families. But I hope it does not pass by simply as 'news from another country.' We all fly in the sky, but that safety comes not from technology but from 'vigilance.' We must not forget that every flight is like a miracle.

Today, the sky is clear. And someone is taking off.

I pray again. Safely, without incident, to reach the destination.