Air India Captain's Mental Health Struggles Revealed

The Tragic Crash of Air India Flight 171

The crash of Air India Flight 171, which occurred last month, has left a trail of devastation and unanswered questions. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. All but one of the 242 passengers on board were killed, along with 19 others at the site of the crash. The incident has sparked intense scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

A preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that two switches controlling fuel flow to the aircraft's engines were turned off in succession, just seconds before the crash. The report did not specify whether this was an accident or a deliberate act. This revelation has led to growing concerns about the pilot’s mental state and potential negligence.

Air India has denied any technical faults in its Boeing fleet, suggesting that the fuel switches may have been intentionally turned off. A spokesperson for the airline stated that inspections of the locking mechanism on the fuel control switches found no issues. However, the absence of a clear explanation has fueled speculation and raised further questions about the pilot's actions.

Pilot Awareness and Mental Health Concerns

According to a top Indian aviation safety expert, multiple pilots within Air India were aware that the captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, had been on medical leave due to mental health struggles. Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a veteran aviation safety expert and former Boeing pilot, shared insights with The i Paper, stating that several pilots had informed him about Sabharwal's mental health issues.

Despite being medically certified and having passed annual checks, the question remains: why were the fuel switches turned off? Ranganathan emphasized the importance of a deeper psychological and behavioral review of the crew, suggesting that passing a medical exam does not necessarily reflect a pilot’s full mental state.

Impact on Crew and Passengers

In the aftermath of the crash, many Air India cabin crew members have sought support through the airline’s peer support program. There has been a noticeable increase in sick leave requests among both cabin crew and First Officers, highlighting the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on frontline staff.

The captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, joined Air India in 1994 and had accumulated over 15,638 hours of flying time, with 8,596 hours on the 787 aircraft. Colleagues described him as meticulous and professional. He had planned to retire early to care for his elderly father following the death of his mother in 2022.

Public Outcry and Calls for Transparency

Families of the victims have expressed frustration and anger, demanding answers. Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the deceased, questioned why Air India allowed the pilot to be in the cockpit if he was struggling with mental health issues. He emphasized the need for justice and closure.

Meanwhile, some experts suggest that the crash could have been caused by technical faults rather than pilot sabotage. Amit Singh, an aircraft safety expert, pointed to multiple electrical issues reported before takeoff. He highlighted the significance of the rear black box, which was found melted, indicating a possible lithium-ion battery fire.

Ongoing Investigations and Uncertainty

As the investigation continues, there is a growing sense of urgency to uncover the truth. The AAIB has not yet released the cockpit voice recorder transcript, leading to speculation and unofficial leaks. Captain Ranganathan warned that delays in releasing information could lead to more details surfacing, adding to the tension surrounding the case.

With so many unanswered questions, the aviation community and families of the victims await clarity. The tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and rigorous safety protocols in the aviation industry.