Investigations into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, which claimed 260 lives, have taken a turn: new evidence points directly to the most experienced pilot on board, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, according to The Wall Street Journal.
What Happened in the Cockpit?
Sources familiar with the preliminary assessment by U.S. authorities indicate that the black box recording shows Sabharwal was the one who activated the switches that cut off fuel flow to both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The first officer, Clive Kunder, questioned the action and reacted with panic. The captain, in contrast, remained seemingly calm.
Although the preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) did not directly identify the pilots in the dialogue, technical details and analysis by U.S. aviation safety experts strongly suggest it was the captain who toggled the switches. These were moved in succession, with just a one-second gap, and were reactivated 10 seconds later—when it was already too late. The plane crashed, leaving only one survivor among the 242 occupants.
A Profile of the Captain: Impeccable Record, Reserved Demeanor
Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was regarded as a calm and methodical veteran. Trained at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi in the 1990s, he led an austere life. According to his colleague and friend Kapil Kohal, Sabharwal was disciplined, a dedicated mentor, and deeply passionate about flying. His academy nickname, “Sad Sack,” reflected his serious expression, not his performance.
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His vocation was inspired by his father, a former official at India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Over three decades, Sabharwal built a spotless reputation. Those around him describe him as reserved—someone who never drank, never swore, and spoke so softly he was sometimes hard to hear.
Clive Kunder: Youth, Enthusiasm, and an Inherited Passion
First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, had a rising career. Inspired by his mother, who worked as an Air India flight attendant for 30 years, he trained in Florida and earned his commercial pilot license in the U.S. He was hired by Air India in 2017 and began operating the Dreamliner in 2022.
Kunder was known for his enthusiasm: he embraced challenges, even when other pilots grew frustrated with aircraft changes. Outside the cockpit, he was a fan of superhero movies, loved technology, and had an infectious laugh, according to his sister Camille.
Potential Legal Implications
The shift in the investigation has raised concerns among U.S. authorities. Some believe that had the crash occurred on U.S. soil, a criminal review—possibly involving the FBI—would have been initiated, as is standard in cases where deliberate acts are suspected.
Ben Berman, a former official at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), noted that the switches being turned off with just a one-second gap could suggest intentionality. Before the fuel cutoff, there were no emergency signals or anomalies during takeoff, ruling out stress reactions or immediate technical failures.
Caution and Cooperation Amid Uncertainty
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, urged staff to avoid premature conclusions and reiterated that the investigation is “far from over.” The airline, according to a spokesperson, continues to actively collaborate with authorities.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, has been briefed on all aspects of the case, including data from the voice and flight recorders. Her primary concern: quickly identifying any immediate risks to passenger safety.
So far, neither Boeing, GE Aerospace (the engine manufacturer), nor the FAA has issued safety alerts or directives for 787 Dreamliner operators.
A Complex Investigation with Many Open Questions
The preliminary report does not rule out other possibilities, such as design flaws, maintenance errors, or medical and psychological factors. Experts in these areas are also participating in the investigation.
In aviation history, some crashes suspected to involve deliberate actions have never been fully resolved. A lack of conclusive evidence and inter-agency disagreements can complicate closing cases like this.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families and the global aviation community await clear answers to a tragedy that, for now, raises more questions than it provides certainty.
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