The recent crash of an Air India aircraft has sent shockwaves across the globe. As investigators work to understand what led to the heartbreaking accident, new information is continuing to surface—including the final words of the pilot.
On what was meant to be a routine flight, tragedy struck shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in India. The Boeing 787-8, operating under flight number AI171, was carrying 242 individuals when it went down merely 30 seconds into the air.
Caught On Cam: Passenger plane crashes near Ahmedabad Airport.#PlaneCrash #Gujarat #Ahmedabad #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/EkitM2Eg9Y
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) June 12, 2025
Air India has since confirmed the devastating news: only one person survived.
According to early reports, the aircraft crashed into a nearby hostel for medical students, causing additional casualties on the ground. Among the passengers were citizens from several countries, including 169 from India, 53 from the UK, 7 from Portugal, and 1 from Canada.
The sole survivor, identified as 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is currently receiving medical treatment. His condition remains critical, and updates are being closely monitored.
Pilot’s Last Transmission Revealed
These are the first pictures and names of the pilots of the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed just moments after take-off.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience, was today named as the pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
First Officer Clive Kunder,… pic.twitter.com/dCazebwD0F
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 12, 2025
More insight into the final moments of the flight came when a chilling mayday call from Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was made public. Alongside co-pilot Clive Kundar, Sabharwal attempted to raise the alarm in what appeared to be a desperate situation.
“Mayday… no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,” the pilot transmitted to air traffic control.
Captain Sabharwal had amassed over 8,200 hours of flight experience, while co-pilot Kundar had logged 1,100 hours. Despite their combined expertise, the sudden technical failure left them with little time to respond.
This incident marks the first known crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft. Aviation experts and Indian authorities are now launching a full investigation to determine what caused such a catastrophic failure in such a modern jetliner.
A Moment of Grief and Reflection
As the aviation world reels from this unprecedented disaster, condolences and tributes continue to pour in for the victims. The loss is felt not only in India but around the world, especially among the international families affected.
While much remains unknown, one thing is clear: this tragedy will reshape conversations around aviation safety for years to come.