Pilot’s Final Words: A Tragedy in the Skies Over Ahmedabad
Pilot’s Final Words: A Tragedy in the Skies Over Ahmedabad
The chilling final transmission from Air India Flight 171 pilot Captain Sumit Sabharwal paints a harrowing picture of the moments before disaster struck. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY… NO POWER… NO THRUST… GOING DOWN…” crackled over the radio, a desperate plea that ended just seconds before the Boeing 787 plummeted into a crowded Ahmedabad neighborhood.
The London-bound flight, carrying 242 passengers, was just minutes into its journey when catastrophic engine failure sent it hurtling earthward. The impact, in the heart of Meghaninagar, resulted in a devastating loss of life – at least 274 people perished, including passengers, crew, and residents on the ground.
The aircraft, which had earlier completed a Paris-Delhi-Ahmedabad flight without incident, reached an altitude of only 650 feet before its rapid descent. Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control received Captain Sabharwal’s frantic call, but attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful. One minute later, the plane crashed into a medical college, igniting a scene of horrific destruction.
The experienced pilot, with over three decades of flying under his belt, had recently confided in his father about his plans to retire and return home. A family friend revealed the heartbreaking conversation just days before the tragedy, leaving the pilot’s father inconsolable.
A full investigation is underway, led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The black box has been recovered, and a multi-disciplinary panel will examine technical failures, procedures, and emergency protocols. The central question remains: what caused such a complete and catastrophic engine failure?
India mourns the victims of this devastating crash and the haunting final words of a pilot who gave his all in his final moments.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.