Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy: 7 Shocking Details About the Hero Pilots Behind the Crash

The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 on June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of two skilled pilots—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned aviator nearing retirement, and First Officer Clive Kunder, a young pilot preparing for his wedding. Sabharwal, with over 15,600 flight hours, was months away from retiring to care for his elderly father, while Kunder, with 3,400 hours, represented the next generation of aviators. The AAIB’s interim report revealed a baffling sequence: both engines shut down after their fuel switches inexplicably moved to “CUTOFF,” with cockpit recordings capturing confusion between the pilots. Investigators are examining whether the cause was technical failure, human error, or a systemic flaw.

Beyond the technical details, the human toll is profound—families shattered, careers cut short, and futures erased. The aviation industry now faces urgent questions about training, aircraft systems, and operational safety. As tributes pour in for the pilots, their legacy underscores the delicate balance between human expertise and unforeseen risks in aviation. The final report may provide answers, but the loss of these professionals remains a sobering reminder of the stakes in air travel.

Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy: 7 Shocking Details About the Hero Pilots Behind the Crash
Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy: 7 Shocking Details About the Hero Pilots Behind the Crash

Air India Flight AI-171 Tragedy: 7 Shocking Details About the Hero Pilots Behind the Crash

The aviation world was shaken on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The interim report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reveals chilling details—both engines shut down seconds after reaching peak speed, leading to catastrophe. Behind this tragedy were two experienced pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, whose lives and careers paint a poignant picture of dedication and unfulfilled futures.  

A Seasoned Captain Nearing Retirement 

At 56, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a veteran with over 15,600 flight hours, more than half on the 787 Dreamliner. Holding the highest-level Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), he was months away from retirement, eagerly anticipating time with his 90-year-old father in their Powai home. Colleagues and neighbors remembered him as a disciplined professional and a devoted son. His sister in Delhi, along with his two nephews—both following his path as commercial pilots—now mourn a man who symbolized stability and expertise in the cockpit.  

A Young First Officer with Big Dreams 

First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, was just beginning to carve his legacy. With 3,400 flight hours (1,100 on the 787), he had recently transitioned to long-haul international flights. A graduate of the Bombay Flying Club and trained in Florida, Kunder was two months away from his wedding. His mother, a former Air India flight attendant, and his family in Sydney are left grappling with the loss of a rising star who embodied the next generation of aviators.  

The Final Flight: A Mysterious Sequence 

The AAIB report highlights a baffling sequence: both engine fuel switches inexplicably moved to “CUTOFF” mid-flight. Cockpit recordings capture a tense exchange—one pilot questioning the other, each denying responsibility. Investigators are probing whether this was a technical malfunction, human error, or an unprecedented systemic flaw.  

Beyond the Headlines: The Human Cost 

While the AAIB’s technical findings dominate discussions, the human stories resonate deeper. Sabharwal’s impending retirement and Kunder’s unrealized wedding plans underscore the fragile line between routine and tragedy in aviation. Their backgrounds—Sabharwal’s mentorship of his pilot nephews, Kunder’s transcontinental family ties—reflect the interconnected lives behind the uniforms.  

Unanswered Questions 

The aviation community awaits the final report, but this tragedy already sparks urgent debates:  

  • Crew Training: Were pilots adequately prepared for rare dual-engine failures?  
  • Aircraft Systems: Could a design flaw or software glitch override pilot commands?  
  • Industry Pressures: Did fatigue or operational demands play a role? 

Honoring Their Legacy 

As families grieve and investigators work, the best tribute to Sabharwal and Kunder lies in ensuring such a disaster never recurs. Their stories remind us that behind every flight number are individuals whose expertise, dreams, and sacrifices keep the skies safe—until fate intervenes.