The father of a pilot killed in the Air India Flight 171 crash last June has declared he will continue to fight for his son`s reputation, as investigators prepare to release an update on the disaster. The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner departing from Ahmedabad. The tragedy claimed the lives of 260 passengers and crew, leaving the aviation industry and the families involved searching for answers.
Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of the flight’s senior pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, has spent months challenging media reports that have suggested his son was responsible for the accident. Months ago, preliminary findings from India`s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted that the fuel control switches for both engines were moved from the run position to the cut-off position shortly after takeoff.
The report also noted that cockpit audio recordings captured a brief, unresolved exchange between the two pilots regarding who had moved the switches, with both appearing to deny the action. Investigators have yet to confirm which individual made the statements or if the action was intentional. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, certain international media outlets reported that the investigation was shifting focus toward Captain Sabharwal, citing anonymous sources.
These reports triggered a significant backlash from pilot associations in India, who condemned the coverage as irresponsible and speculative. The AAIB also issued a statement last year criticizing what it termed selective and unverified reporting, emphasizing that drawing conclusions before a final report is finalized is dangerous.
Pushkar Raj Sabharwal previously petitioned India`s Supreme Court to demand an independent investigation into all possible factors surrounding the crash. The court responded by stating that no one should blame the senior pilot, noting that there was no evidence of fault in the initial findings. For the Sabharwal family, the prolonged speculation and media narratives have added immense emotional strain to their grieving process.
As the next phase of the investigation approaches, the family remains focused on clearing the captain`s name. They are hoping that the final report will be based solely on technical evidence rather than conjecture. The aviation community continues to monitor the situation, as the release of new findings is expected to shed more light on the sequence of events that led to the catastrophic loss of the Dreamliner.
