Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Who Are the Pilot and Co-Pilot of the Air India Flight?
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171 tragically crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick when it went down near the Meghani Nagar area, close to a government hostel and B.J. Medical College.
The incident has shocked the aviation community and raised questions about the aircraft’s performance and safety protocols. Central to this story are the identities and credentials of the flight crew, who were in command during this tragic event.
Who Was Flying the Aircraft?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal served as the commanding officer of Flight AI-171. He was a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience. Known for his professionalism and deep familiarity with Boeing aircraft, Capt. Sabharwal had been with Air India for several years and held a strong safety record.
First Officer Clive Kundar
Assisting Capt. Sabharwal was First Officer Clive Kundar, who had accumulated over 1,100 hours of flying experience. Though relatively junior, Kundar was certified and trained on the Boeing 787 and had completed multiple successful flights prior to this incident.
Timeline of the Incident
Date of Crash: June 12, 2025
Flight Number: AI-171
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)
Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
Takeoff Time: Approximately 1:39 PM IST
Crash Time: Around 1:44 PM IST
Location of Crash: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
Altitude at Time of Crash: Approximately 625 feet
Distress Signal: A MAYDAY call was issued shortly before the aircraft lost communication
Crew Credentials and Safety Record
Air India confirmed that both pilots were qualified and up-to-date on all training protocols. Captain Sabharwal, in particular, was qualified to train junior pilots and had previously managed complex international routes. First Officer Kundar, while newer to the airline, was reported to have performed well in recent check flights.
Investigation Status
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered and are being analyzed. Preliminary evidence suggests a technical issue shortly after takeoff, though further details are awaited from the official inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who were the pilots of the crashed Air India flight AI-171?
A1: The pilot was Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, and the co-pilot was First Officer Clive Kundar.
Q2: What experience did the flight crew have?
A2: Capt. Sabharwal had over 8,200 flying hours and served as a Line Training Captain. FO Kundar had more than 1,100 hours of flight time.
Q3: How many people were on board?
A3: There were 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Q4: Where did the crash occur?
A4: The crash took place near the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, close to B.J. Medical College and a student hostel.
Q5: Has the cause of the crash been determined?
A5: The exact cause is still under investigation. A MAYDAY call was made, and the plane lost altitude shortly after takeoff.
Q6: Are the black boxes recovered?
A6: Yes, both the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder have been recovered and are under analysis by investigators.
Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 has raised many questions but also underscored the professionalism of the crew in a high-pressure emergency. As the investigation unfolds, more light will be shed on the technical or operational issues that led to this tragic outcome. The aviation world now waits for answers, as families and authorities seek closure and accountability.
Published on: June 12, 2025
Uploaded by: PAVAN
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