Three days before the Indian aviation accident, pilot Sumeet Sabharwal had a conversation with his elderly father, promising to resign and return home to take care of him.
On Thursday (June 12), a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI-171) took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and crashed shortly afterwards into a medical college. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. So far, only one passenger has survived the tragedy. Additionally, the crash also resulted in casualties among ground personnel.
According to the report by “Today India,” three days before the accident, Sabharwal had a conversation with his elderly father Pushkaraj, informing him of his plan to resign and return home.
Sabharwal’s family friend Lande said, “Three days ago, Sabharwal talked to his father about his wish to leave flying and come home to take care of him.”
“Now his father doesn’t say a word, tears welling up in his eyes,” Lande added.
Pilot Sabharwal, aged 56, was an experienced aviator renowned in the industry for his dedication and exceptional flying skills. He lived with his father Pushkaraj in the Powai area of Mumbai. His father had previously worked for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India.
Sabharwal’s close friend and retired Colonel Sanjay Pai described him as a “good Samaritan,” mentioning that the local community was shocked by the news.
“Yesterday, when community members learned about his passing, we were all shocked. Many people visited his family. It’s hard to believe he’s left us,” Pai said.
Investigators have recovered one black box from the crash site of the aircraft.
The DGCA of India ordered on Friday to conduct enhanced safety inspections on the fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India.
The inspections will include examining various systems of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, as well as reviewing their takeoff parameters.
Furthermore, the aviation authority has also ordered inspections on cabin air compressors and related systems, testing of engine electronic control systems, operational testing of engine fuel drive units, and inspections of oil systems.