Tragic Accident of Air India Flight AI171: Chairman's Insights
The chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, N. Chandrasekaran, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Flight AI171, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. With over 270 lives lost, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, awaiting insights from the black box analysis. Chandrasekaran praised the qualifications of the pilots involved and extended condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident. His statements reflect the gravity of the situation and the commitment to support the bereaved families during this challenging time.
| Jun 19, 2025, 10:17 IST
Chairman's Statement on the AI171 Incident
Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, N. Chandrasekaran, described the accident involving Air India Flight AI171 as unfortunate, noting that there were no prior warnings regarding the flight, and both engines were in good condition. The flight took off from Ahmedabad on June 12 but crashed just minutes later, resulting in the loss of over 270 lives.
Details of the Crash
Referring to the situation as "extremely challenging," he emphasized the need to wait for the black box analysis to uncover the truth. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers including the crew, was en route to London when it tragically crashed into a medical college campus in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. Out of the 241 passengers on board, 241 lost their lives, along with several others on the ground.
Chandrasekaran's Condolences
In an interview with a news channel, Chandrasekaran expressed his sorrow, stating, "This is an extremely difficult situation, and I find myself at a loss for words to comfort the families of the deceased." He conveyed his deep regret over the tragedy occurring within an airline operated by Tata. He added, "All we can do at this moment is stand by the families, mourn with them, and do everything possible to support them now and in the future."
Pilot Qualifications
Regarding the pilots, Chandrasekaran remarked, "Both pilots were exceptional. Captain Sabharwal had over 11,500 hours of flight experience, while First Officer Clive (Kundar) had more than 3,400 hours. I have heard from my colleagues that they were outstanding pilots and professionals. Therefore, we cannot jump to conclusions. Experts have informed me that the black box and recorder will certainly reveal the story. We must simply wait for that."