Tag: Air India crash

A year after the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, investigators continue to examine flight data, cockpit audio,

One Year Later, Air India Crash Investigation Still Has No Final Answer

A year after the Air India Flight 171 disaster in Ahmedabad, investigators…

June 16, 2026

## Air India Crash Pilot’s Father Vows to Defend Son’s Reputation The father of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots who died in the Air India Flight 171 crash, has promised to continue defending his son's reputation as investigators prepare to release another update on the tragedy. Pushkar Raj Sabharwal said he remains determined to protect his son's name from speculation and unverified claims. "My son is no longer here, but I must defend his reputation," he said. ## Family Faces Painful Speculation Capt Sumeet Sabharwal served as the senior pilot on Air India Flight 171. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The disaster claimed at least 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members on board. It became one of India's deadliest aviation accidents in recent years. Since the crash, the Sabharwal family has faced intense public attention. Media reports and online discussions have added to their grief while the investigation remains unfinished. ## Investigation Continues Without Final Conclusion Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. A preliminary investigation report revealed that the fuel control switches for both engines moved from the "run" position to the "cut-off" position shortly after take-off. As a result, both engines lost fuel supply during a critical stage of the flight. Cockpit recordings captured a conversation between the two pilots. One pilot questioned why the fuel had been cut off, while the other denied taking that action. Investigators did not identify which pilot made either statement. They also found no evidence that either pilot intentionally caused the incident. ## Reports Shifted Attention Toward Senior Pilot Several international media reports later suggested that investigators were paying closer attention to Capt Sabharwal's role in the cockpit. According to those reports, cockpit audio recordings appeared to support the theory that the captain may have cut fuel flow to the engines. However, officials have not confirmed those claims. Pilot associations across India strongly rejected the speculation. Industry groups argued that media outlets should avoid drawing conclusions before investigators complete their work. ## Authorities Urge Caution India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau criticized selective and unverified reporting surrounding the crash. The agency warned that premature conclusions could mislead the public and undermine the investigation process. Officials stressed that investigators had not assigned blame to either pilot. Capt Sabharwal's father later approached India's Supreme Court and requested an independent investigation into all possible causes of the accident. During proceedings, the court noted that the preliminary findings did not place responsibility on the senior pilot. The judges stated that no evidence in the initial report suggested fault on his part. ## Family Awaits Final Answers As investigators continue their work, the Sabharwal family hopes the final report will provide clear answers about what happened that day. For Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the goal remains simple. He wants the public to remember his son as a respected professional pilot and wait for verified facts before making judgments. The upcoming investigation update may provide new insights into one of the most tragic aviation disasters in recent history.

Air India Crash Pilot’s Father Vows to Defend Son’s Reputation

The father of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots who died…

June 10, 2026