Ahmedabad, India – The tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, claimed 270 lives, but the quick thinking of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot in command, averted an even greater catastrophe. According to a preliminary investigation, Sabharwal’s critical midair mayday call and subsequent actions steered the failing Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner away from a densely populated three-storey residential building, potentially sparing dozens of families.
The flight, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, striking a medical college hostel in a residential area. The impact killed 241 passengers and crew, with only one survivor, and at least 29 people on the ground, as reported by NPR. A video captured showed the plane’s rapid descent, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with 8,200 hours of flying experience, as noted by The Independent, issued a mayday call seconds after the plane left the runway. This alert enabled air traffic control to initiate emergency protocols swiftly. Sources close to the investigation, suggest that Sabharwal’s maneuver to redirect the aircraft toward a less populated area likely prevented a higher death toll.
The black boxes, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, have been recovered. These devices are expected to shed light on whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, such as the suspected dual engine failure. India has ordered inspections of all Boeing 787s operated by local carriers, Reuters reported, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.
On Monday, the mortal remains of Captain Sabharwal, 55, were brought to his residence in Powai, Mumbai. The veteran pilot, who was considering early retirement to care for his elderly father, is now being hailed as a hero. Social media posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users noting Sabharwal’s actions likely saved countless lives.
The sole survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, emerged from the wreckage in a bloodstained shirt, as captured in a video reported by India Today. The crash site, marked by thick smoke and debris, continues to be a focal point for investigators, with CCTV footage and radar data under review. As families await identification of victims through DNA profiling, per Reuters, the nation mourns while honoring the pilot whose final act embodied courage under pressure.