It started like any other boarding routine—passengers shuffled down the aisle, finding their seats, stowing away bags, and settling in for the journey ahead. But what no one expected was the sudden commotion over one particular spot: seat 11A. A seemingly ordinary window seat turned into the center of attention when a passenger insisted—no, demanded—to sit there, refusing to budge. What was it about 11A that had this stranger so unshakably obsessed? What’s the reason? Was it fear? Or was it something else?
As the aircraft stood still on the tarmac, one seat—just one—was holding up an entire flight. And what’s the reason behind it?
The Deadly AI171 Plane Crash In Ahmedabad
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One of the deadliest plane crashes that has hit India in decades was the Air India crash AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12. Everyone will get goosebumps just talking about the horrible accident that claimed 270 lives during the plane crash. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was sitting on 11A—digits that have come to represent survival, superstition, and increased fear among passengers—was the only person to survive the AI171 accident.
The Air India aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area, and the plane crashed into residential sections near BJ Medical College. The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (Flight AI171) took off from Runway 23 at 1:38 p.m. IST and issued a distress mayday call but lost altitude and control within seconds.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin, settled into seat 11A by the window. His brother Ajay Kumar took seat 11C, just across the aisle. Neither could have imagined that within an hour, things would become uncertain and only one would survive.
An odd tendency has emerged as a result of this unique survival story. Because they feel that seat 11A provides “peace of mind” or a symbolic level of protection, travelers are specifically asking for it.
The Strange Mindset Of Air Travelers
Travel agencies in many locations have verified an increase in inquiries regarding emergency exit row seats. Some clients have even been known to request seat 11A, even if it is not adjacent to the exit door.
Although exit row seats provide additional legroom, aviation experts warn that there is no statistically demonstrated survival advantage in the case of an airplane crash. Nevertheless, a lot of travelers now find psychological pleasure in these seats that goes beyond technical reasoning.
“Even though 11A is not adjacent to the exit, some people still desire it.” Anil Punjabi, a member of the Travel Agents Federation of India’s national committee, verified the increase in demand. In an attempt to feel more secure, some fliers, including Rajesh Bhagnani and Jitender Singh Bagga, even said they would be ready to pay more for the seat.
One agent said, “Logic isn’t the point.” It’s a sense of emotional security. People desire a sense of security.
Aviation Experts Provide Their Opinions After Air India Tragedy
Aviation experts have advised against making quick decisions, pointing out that not all airplanes have 11A adjacent to the emergency escape. According to Mitchell Fox, a director of the US-based nonprofit Flight Safety Foundation, “each accident is different, and it is impossible to predict survivability based on seat location.”
According to Ron Bartsch, head of Sydney-based AvLaw Aviation Consulting, “In this specific case, this was the safest seat on the day because the passenger was sitting adjacent to the emergency exit.”
Ongoing Investigation On Black Box
The Black Box, Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Air India aircraft, which lost thrust 36 seconds after takeoff and crashed into residential buildings, was recovered on Monday. Earlier, the rescue and search team had found the Flight Data Recorder, also called the FDR. The entire investigation may take years, but a preliminary report is anticipated in a few weeks.
The Importance Of Safety Instructions
Experts suggest that the best way to increase your odds of surviving a flight is to pay attention to the safety briefing at the beginning, which is sometimes written off as routine.
Important instructions like how to properly fasten your seatbelt, place your brace, and plan a way out are usually covered in safety briefings.
Counting the rows between your seat and the closest exit is a typical tip that is essential if the cabin fills with smoke and vision is poor.
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