Tragic Air India Crash Claims Lives of Veteran Pilot and Young Co-Pilot

A Heartbreaking Loss in Aviation

In a devastating incident, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot nearing retirement, and First Officer Clive Kunder, a young co-pilot at the start of his career, lost their lives on Thursday when their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed.

The tragic accident occurred during an Air India flight in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of all 241 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 10 crew members. Together, the two pilots had amassed a remarkable 9,300 hours of flying experience, with Captain Sabharwal contributing 8,200 hours.

Captain Sabharwal's Legacy

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was highly regarded in the aviation community for his calm demeanor and professionalism. Residing in Powai, Mumbai, he was respected by many.

Sanjeev Pai, a family friend and retired Wing Commander, expressed his sorrow, stating, "Captain Sumeet was an exceptional pilot, and his passing is a significant loss for Air India." Pai further emphasized Sabharwal's peaceful nature and professionalism.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in aviation, Sabharwal was inspired by his father, who worked with the DGCA, and two cousins who are also pilots. Recently, he had shared plans to leave his job to care for his father full-time, as noted by Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande.

Co-Pilot Clive Kunder's Background

First Officer Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours of flying experience, also hailed from an aviation family. His mother was part of the flight crew, and he began his training at the Bombay Flying Club in Juhu, Mumbai.

Kunder's sister, Kliene, expressed the family's distress, stating, "We are heading to Ahmedabad to learn more about my brother's condition, as we currently have no information."

Tributes Pour In for Clive Kunder

Actor Vikrant Massey, a family friend, shared his condolences on social media, mourning the loss of Clive Kunder. He wrote, "My heart breaks for the families affected by this tragic air crash. It is especially painful to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive, who was the first officer on that flight."

Details of the Crash

Reports indicate that the Air India Dreamliner, piloted by Sabharwal and Kunder, began to lose control shortly after takeoff, reaching only 625 feet in altitude. The pilots had less than a minute to respond before the aircraft crashed into a house near Ahmedabad airport, resulting in a fire.

Despite a MAYDAY call being received by Air Traffic Control, there was no further communication from the cockpit, even after multiple attempts to reach the pilots.