How Did An Expert Pilot and His Young Co-Pilot End Up In A Deadly Air India Crash?

June 12, 2025: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight, AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed minutes after takeoff on Thursday, killing over 100 people, according to early estimates. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghaninagar area close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

According to Air India and aviation authorities, the flight departed from runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST and issued a MAYDAY distress call shortly after takeoff. The aircraft then lost contact with Air Traffic Control and crashed within minutes.

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Pilots in Command

The aircraft was being flown by:

• Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with 8,200 hours of flying experience
• First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours

Both were part of the two-member cockpit crew, and there were ten cabin crew members on board as well.

Also read: Panic At Ahmedabad Hospital As Grieving Families Storm In After Air India Crash Horror

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Passenger Nationalities

Air India confirmed the following nationalities among those on board:

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British nationals
• 1 Canadian national
• 7 Portuguese nationals

The airline has set up a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444) for relatives and concerned citizens to obtain real-time updates and information.

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Statement by Air India

In its official communication, Air India stated:

“Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew. Emergency response teams have been activated. The injured are being transported to nearby hospitals. We are extending full cooperation to the authorities investigating this tragic incident.”

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What Happened After Takeoff

• The aircraft departed Ahmedabad Airport at 1:39 PM IST
• A MAYDAY was declared shortly after takeoff
• Contact was lost with ATC moments later
• The plane crashed into a residential building near Meghaninagar, specifically hitting a doctors’ hostel

Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site, and visuals have gone viral across social media.

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Ongoing Rescue and Response

• 3 NDRF teams (90 personnel) have been deployed
• 70–80% of the crash site has been cleared, according to local police
• Emergency services are requesting public cooperation for green corridor access

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Emergency Contact Numbers:

• Air India Passenger Hotline: 1800 5691 444
• Civil Aviation Ministry: 011-24610843 / 9650391859
• Ahmedabad Police Emergency: 079-25620359

The tragedy has prompted nationwide mourning, with messages of condolences from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders.