An Air India flight (AI171) crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The cockpit was manned by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and his co-pilot, whose combined flying experience totaled approximately 9,300 hours.
A poignant detail emerged: about an hour before the flight, Captain Sabharwal called his family from the cockpit, promising to ring again once they landed in London. That call never came — the last transmission recorded was with air traffic control just prior to the crash.
Why these details matter
-
Experience ≠ Immunity
High flying hours can boost readiness and decision-making—take, for example, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s 40,000-plus flight hours before landing Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. Still, expertise alone cannot overcome all hazards. -
Pilot fatigue and systemic pressure
In India and worldwide, airlines have increasingly pushed schedules that lead to burnout, with pilots flying long sectors on limited rest. This fatigue has been repeatedly linked to accidents. -
Training quality under scrutiny
Despite regulations, pilot training and experience thresholds have often been compromised. Regulatory bodies like India’s DGCA are under pressure to enhance rest standards, roster controls, and oversight.
In summary
This crash highlights a stark truth: even seasoned pilots are not immune to risks. Experience matters—but only alongside robust training, safe roster practices, and rigorous regulatory enforcement. As aviation continues to grow, addressing crew fatigue and systemic issues is critical to preventing tragedies like this.