Investigators of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probing a deadly Air India crash said in a preliminary report that the aircraft's engine fuel switches were flipped to an off position briefly, leading to confusion in the cockpit. This has put focus on the pilots flying the Boeing 787.
According to the preliminary crash report, the aircraft hit its top recorded airspeed of 180 knots (indicated) at around 08:08:42 UTC. Just moments later, the fuel cutoff switches for both Engine 1 and Engine 2 were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within one second of each other. This action instantly cut off the fuel supply, causing both engines’ N1 and N2 rotor speeds to fall sharply from takeoff thrust levels.
The crash of Flight AI171, which was headed to London Gatwick, killed over 270 people, including students at a nearby medical college hostel where the plane went down. Only one passenger survived.
Who were the two pilots?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal
The 56-year-old had an airline transport pilot's licence that was valid until May 14, 2026. He had obtained clearances to fly as pilot-in-command on several aircraft including the Boeing 787 and 777 and the Airbus A310, according to a report by Reuters.
He had total flying experience of 15,638 hours, of which 8,596 hours were on a Boeing 787.
Sabharwal had called his family from the airport, assuring them he would ring again after landing in London, according to a Times of India report. A pilot who had briefly interacted with him told Reuters he was a "gentleman."
First Officer Clive Kunder
The 32-year-old had a commercial pilot license which was issued in 2020 and was valid until September 26, 2025, according to Reuters.
He had obtained clearances to fly Cessna 172 and Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft as pilot-in-command and as co-pilot on Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 jets.
He had total flying experience of 3,403 hours. Of that, 1,128 hours of experience were as a 787 co-pilot.
Since his school-going days Kunder was passionate about flying, and in 2012, began serving as a pilot, Indian media reported, citing his relatives. He joined Air India in 2017.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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