The Air India tragedy, which unfolded just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, continues to raise questions—but the pilot’s reported last words have now come to light.
Flight AI 171 had departed Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, en route to London Gatwick, with an expected arrival time of 6:25 pm local time in the UK. However, the aircraft only reached an altitude of about 625 feet before crashing roughly four miles from the runway.
According to Air India, 242 people were on board, including both passengers and crew. The airline stated:
“Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
Emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site.
Reports indicate that there was only one survivor: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai confirmed that 265 b0dies have been recovered so far, including victims on the ground. Authorities warned that the number could rise as recovery operations continue.
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
The pilots on board were identified as Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder.
India’s aviation regulator reported that a mayday call was issued by the aircraft to air traffic control, but no further communication was received afterward.
According to reports, the captain’s final radio message was:
“Mayday […] no thrust, losing power, unable to lift.”
It is believed that both pilots attempted to regain control of the aircraft before it crashed into a hostel building at a nearby medical college.
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran released a statement expressing condolences and calling the incident a “tragic accident.”
He said:
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families.”
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
Source: unilad.com