‘Mayday… No Power’: The Final Call of Captain Sumit Sabharwal

The air crackled with static and dread as Captain Sumit Sabharwal, commanding officer of Air India Flight AI-171, issued a final, haunting Mayday call. His voice, caught in a five-second audio clip, echoed the nightmare unfolding in the cockpit: “MAYDAY… MAYDAY… MAYDAY… NO POWER… NO THRUST… GOING DOWN…” It was June 12, 2025, and within moments, India witnessed one of its most catastrophic aviation disasters.

Sumit Sabharwal: The Final Voice Before Impact

Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with decades of flying experience, was at the helm of the ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick. The aircraft, designated as AI-171, had taken off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:39 PM, carrying 242 souls—230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots. The takeoff seemed routine until the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 650 feet and began to falter.

The desperate Mayday broadcast was not just a distress signal—it was a poignant farewell. Captain Sabharwal’s calm yet urgent voice reflected a professional trying to manage an uncontrollable situation. His last message, now publicly shared, has sent shockwaves across aviation communities and left a nation grieving.

According to Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, within a minute of the distress call, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the residential quarters of a medical college in Meghaninagar. The tragic site saw thick smoke engulfing buildings, lives lost on impact, and an unprecedented emergency response.

Inside the Flight Deck: What Went Wrong?

The flight had successfully completed a prior segment from Paris to Delhi to Ahmedabad. Nothing about the aircraft suggested a technical anomaly until seconds after takeoff. As the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) began its probe, it was confirmed the aircraft experienced a sudden, total engine failure—resulting in a complete loss of thrust.

Captain Sumit Sabharwal, alongside First Officer Clive Sundar, attempted to stabilize the aircraft. But the Boeing 787, with no power to sustain flight, became uncontrollable at low altitude. Despite the crew’s swift emergency declaration and attempt to reroute, the plane ultimately went down roughly 2 km from the runway.

The incident is now under the scrutiny of a high-level multi-disciplinary panel formed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The panel will assess systemic issues, safety protocol failures, and potential human or mechanical error. Investigators recovered the flight’s black box the following day, which is expected to reveal critical pre-crash data.

India Mourns: National Grief and Global Response

The impact of the crash is enormous. Among the 274 deceased were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, medical students, and families returning home. Only one Indian-origin British national survived—labelled a “miracle survivor” by global media.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the situation as one that “shook the entire nation.” Emergency services, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and aviation authorities coordinated tirelessly, responding to one of India’s most devastating air tragedies.

The crash disrupted operations at Ahmedabad airport for several hours. Local hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties, and families are now beginning to receive the remains of their loved ones. National grief has permeated into prayers, candlelit vigils, and social media tributes to the victims and crew—especially Captain Sabharwal.

Legacy of a Pilot: Who Was Captain Sumit Sabharwal?

Captain Sumit Sabharwal wasn’t just a pilot—he was a figure of aviation excellence and dedication. Colleagues describe him as meticulous, composed, and immensely respected within Air India’s cockpit community. His ability to remain composed under such extraordinary pressure speaks volumes of his professionalism and commitment.

In the past, Captain Sabharwal had flown numerous international sectors and trained young pilots under Air India’s mentoring initiatives. Many in the industry have shared stories of his leadership, humility, and technical skill, marking him as a role model in aviation circles. Tributes have poured in from global aviation networks, highlighting his bravery in a situation where survival odds were slim.

What’s Next for Indian Aviation Safety?

The AI-171 disaster has reignited conversations around aviation safety and crisis preparedness in India. Experts are calling for improved SOPs, better crew training on emergency thrust recovery, and stricter pre-flight technical inspections.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under scrutiny, has vowed to overhaul protocols if the AAIB investigation points to gaps in safety procedures. Simultaneously, international aviation bodies are watching closely, with potential ripple effects across global regulatory frameworks.

This is not the first time aviation has faced catastrophic loss, but it is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of human flight. The nation now waits for answers—and accountability. Captain Sumit Sabharwal’s voice may have been the last sound heard from Flight AI-171, but it echoes as a solemn call to action for the entire aviation industry.

Captain Sumit Sabharwal’s legacy is not just of tragedy—it is of valor, clarity in chaos, and professional integrity. His name now joins the lineage of aviators remembered for heroism in the face of the unthinkable.

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FAQs About Sumit Sabharwal and AI-171 Crash

Who was Sumit Sabharwal?

Captain Sumit Sabharwal was a senior Air India pilot with over two decades of flying experience. He was commanding AI-171 during its fatal crash on June 12, 2025.

What caused the Air India AI-171 crash?

Preliminary reports suggest a total engine failure immediately after takeoff, leading to complete loss of thrust and eventual crash. The official cause is under investigation.

How did the aviation authorities respond?

Emergency protocols were activated swiftly, with local and national agencies coordinating rescue and recovery. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAIB are leading the investigation.

Was there any survivor from the crash?

Yes, a single Indian-origin British national survived, making headlines globally as the “miracle survivor.”

What will happen next in the investigation?

The AAIB has recovered the black box, which will provide crucial data. A multidisciplinary panel is assessing SOPs, maintenance logs, and crew performance leading up to the crash.

Why is Captain Sabharwal’s final call important?

His Mayday call has become a key piece of evidence and a powerful symbol of his effort to avert disaster. It captures the urgency and professionalism displayed under duress.