Did Experienced Pilots Steer the Dreamliner Before the Tragedy?
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Synopsis
A tragic aviation incident involving Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Flight AI-171 unfolded shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. With seasoned pilots at the helm, the crash raises critical questions about aviation safety and the fate of the passengers onboard.
Key Takeaways
- Experienced pilots at the helm of Flight AI-171.
- Flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
- Passenger demographics include a mix of nationalities.
- The aircraft failed to respond after issuing a mayday call.
- Investigations are currently ongoing by the DGCA.
Ahmedabad, June 12 (NationPress) The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Flight AI-171 faced a catastrophic incident on Thursday, shortly after taking off from the city airport, under the command of two exceptionally skilled and seasoned pilots, each with thousands of flying hours.
The wide-body aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who has accumulated approximately 8,200 hours of flying experience, while his co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kundar, has logged an impressive 1,100 flying hours.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the passenger aircraft tragically crashed right after its departure from Runway 23 in Ahmedabad.
As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff, but failed to respond to subsequent ATC communications.
The flight, bound for London, was carrying 242 individuals, including passengers and crew. Among them, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals.
While officials have yet to disclose any details regarding casualties or survivors, the severity of the crash, which resulted in the aircraft engulfed in flames, casts significant doubt on the possibility of survival.
The flight, which departed at 1:39 PM, crashed mere minutes after takeoff, failing to ascend more than 625 meters before plummeting onto a students’ hostel nearby.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu is closely overseeing the developments. Air India has established a dedicated hotline at 1800 5691 444 to provide additional information.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has also set up an operational control room to manage all aspects relating to the AI-171 crash, sharing contact numbers 011-24610843 and 9650391859 for the public to obtain further information.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to report on this tragic incident with utmost sensitivity and accuracy. The loss of life and the impact on families are paramount, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as more information becomes available.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crash of Flight AI-171?
The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
How many people were on board the flight?
The flight was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including passengers and crew members.
What are the contact numbers for inquiries?
Air India has set up a hotline at 1800 5691 444, and the Civil Aviation Ministry can be reached at 011-24610843 or 9650391859.
What is known about the pilots?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had approximately 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar had around 1,100 hours.
Is there any information on casualties?
As of now, officials have not released specific details regarding casualties or survivors.
