Aviation disaster: The broken pledge of the flight captain
Experienced Pilots Meet Tragedy
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, the skilled aviators at the helm of Air India Flight AI-171, were known for their proficiency in handling wide-body aircraft, amassing over 9,000 flying hours collectively, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Tragedy struck on June 12, 2025, as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board, leaving enormous property damage in a nearby residential area.
An Unforeseen Calamity
Captain Sabharwal resided in Powai, Mumbai, and was single, living with his 90-year-old father. Just days before the crash, he shared his intention to dedicate his time to his father's care, as reported by Shiv Sena lawmaker Dilip Lande to The Times of India.
Reports from The Indian Express suggested that Sabharwal was approaching retirement, and his family was rich in aviation heritage, with his father once serving with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and two nephews currently serving as pilots.
A Heart-Wrenching Loss
Neighbors shared that Captain Sabharwal had often requested them to look after his father during his trips, knowing the loss of his father would be emotionally devastating[1][4].
Originating from Mangaluru, Karnataka, First Officer Clive Kundar acquired his training from Paris Air Inc. in Florida, logging 1,100 flying hours. Unfortunately, his parents were visiting their daughter in Sydney at the time of the crash[2].
The loss of his parents left his mother, a former Air India flight attendant, and the family in a state of unimaginable grief. Kundar, too, was part of the crew of Air India Flight AI-171 when it sustained a devastating crash on June 12, 2025[1][3].
Looking Ahead
While the circumstances remain under investigation, the harrowing event served as a stark reminder of the intricacies and challenges of the aviation industry and the indelible impact it holds on the lives of those dedicated to keeping the skies safe.
In the aftermath, questions surrounding the safety measures, crew training, and maintenance practices continue to surface, as interested parties search for answers and ways to prevent similar incidents in the future[1][3].
[[References]]
\1. AHMEDABAD AIR INDIA PLANE CRASH: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR\2. AIR INDIA CRASH: CREW MEMBER'S CALL TO HER FATHER NEVER CAME\3. MIRACLE IN SEAT 11A: THE SAFEST SPOTS TO SIT ON A PLANE\4. AIR INDIA CRASH: 'CREW MEMBER DREAMS ARE NOW SHATTERED'
- The calamitous crash of Air India Flight AI-171 on June 12, 2025, served as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in the aviation industry and the profound impact these events have on those dedicated to maintaining safety.
- As the tragedy unfolded, the news of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's untimely demise was met with shock waves, not just in the aviation or political circles, but also in the general-news arena.
- While the investigation into the causes of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash continues, the business sector is closely monitoring the situation, as safety measures, crew training, and maintenance practices are under scrutiny, with potential ramifications on future commercial air travel.
- News outlets such as Crime and Justice have also shed light on the tragic loss of First Officer Clive Kundar, whose parents unfortunately were visiting their daughter in Sydney at the time of the crash, adding another layer of sorrow to the devastating event.
