The nation mourns the loss of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran Air India pilot, who tragically perished in the Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Captain Sabharwal, with nearly three decades of flying experience and over 8,200 hours logged in the cockpit, is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and selfless actions in the moments leading up to the disaster.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The final moments of the flight were filled with distress, as Captain Sabharwal issued a desperate "Mayday" call to air traffic control. His last words, "Thrust not achieved... falling... Mayday!" indicate a potential mechanical failure that led to the tragic incident. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude, reaching only 650 feet before plummeting to the ground.
The crash claimed the lives of 241 people on board, including the crew, and at least 29 individuals on the ground when the plane nosedived into the student hostel of BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar neighborhood. Among the deceased were nine Mumbai-based crew members. One British citizen, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, miraculously survived the crash.
Despite the devastating loss of life, Captain Sabharwal's actions have been lauded for preventing an even greater catastrophe. Reports indicate that he skillfully maneuvered the failing aircraft away from a densely populated residential area, potentially saving hundreds of lives. Residents of a nearby three-story building are convinced that Captain Sabharwal's diversion saved them from certain death. According to Jahanvi Rajput, 28, "Thanks to the pilot Captain Sabharwal, we survived. He's a hero. It is because of him we are alive." Chancal Bai, 50, a mother of two, echoed this sentiment, stating, "If the plane had crashed into this residential area, there would have been hundreds more victims."
The aviation community remembers Captain Sabharwal as a dedicated and professional pilot. A fellow pilot described him as a "very quiet, diligent man" who "always kept his head down and did his work." He was experienced in flying Airbus A310s, Boeing 777s, and the Dreamliner. Just months away from retirement, Captain Sabharwal had recently told his 82-year-old father, a former DGCA official, that he would soon take time off to be with him. Sadly, that visit will now never happen.
The Indian government has initiated a thorough investigation into the crash, with the recovery of the black box being crucial to determining the exact cause. The Aviation Ministry has also announced plans to conduct an extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series aircraft. As the investigation unfolds, the nation remembers Captain Sumeet Sabharwal not only for his service but also for his bravery and sacrifice in his final moments. His actions serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment of airline professionals who prioritize the safety of others, even in the face of immense danger.
