The aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad is becoming increasingly complex, with concerns arising that the late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is being unfairly targeted with blame. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of 241 people on board and an additional 29 on the ground when the plane crashed into the BJ medical college, including 5 MBBS students. Amidst the investigation, a disturbing narrative appears to be emerging, subtly pushing "pilot error" as the primary cause, raising questions about who benefits from such a portrayal.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, is remembered by colleagues and neighbors as a "quiet, diligent man" and a "hero". Just days before the crash, he had expressed his intention to take a break from flying to care for his ailing father, a retired official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Reports indicate that Captain Sabharwal's last communication was a 'Mayday' call to Ahmedabad air traffic control (ATC) seconds after takeoff, when the plane struggled to ascend beyond 650 feet. The ATC responded, but the aircraft crashed almost immediately, leaving no time for further communication or corrective action.
Despite his exemplary record and the respect he commanded within the aviation community, some individuals, including online commentators and even foreign "TikTok aviators" with limited information, have begun to circulate theories of pilot error. This has sparked outrage and concern that the focus is being unjustly shifted away from potential systemic issues such as aircraft maintenance, regulatory oversights, and the airline's safety culture. NDTV has highlighted this disturbing trend, questioning who profits when blame is immediately assigned to a human being who can no longer defend himself.
Adding another layer of complexity, there are reports that Captain Sabharwal, in his final moments, skillfully diverted the crashing Boeing 787 Dreamliner to avoid densely populated residential areas. Residents living near the crash site believe his actions averted an even greater catastrophe, potentially saving hundreds of lives. Jahanvi Rajput, a 28-year-old resident, expressed immense gratitude, stating that Captain Sabharwal was a hero who chose to crash in a green space, preventing further devastation. Chancal Bai, a mother of two, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the death toll would have been far higher had the plane crashed into the residential area.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities urgently inspecting all Boeing 787s and exploring all possible causes. The recent discovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder is a crucial development, potentially providing valuable insights into the final moments of the flight and the circumstances leading to the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is meticulously analyzing the data from both the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder. It is hoped that the data will offer a clearer understanding of the events.
While it is essential to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the cause of the crash, the growing narrative that appears to place undue blame on Captain Sabharwal is troubling. It is crucial to avoid premature conclusions and ensure that all potential factors, including mechanical failure and systemic issues, are thoroughly examined. The focus should remain on uncovering the truth and implementing necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, rather than defaming a deceased pilot who may have acted heroically in his final moments.
