Air India Pilot Cleared of Blame in Crash Killing 241

In a recent development regarding the tragic crash that claimed 241 lives, Air India pilot Sumeet Sabharwal has been cleared of blame. His father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, has actively sought a new examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Background of the Incident

The crash occurred on June 12 and has since been the subject of intense scrutiny. Pushkaraj Sabharwal expressed concerns over the impartiality of the ongoing investigation, labeling it “non-independent.”

Key Points from the Investigation

• Pushkaraj Sabharwal claims AAIB officials suggested that his son may have improperly managed fuel.
• The government asserts that the investigation process was thorough and unbiased.
• Initial analyses indicated potential pilot involvement in the crash, raising questions about Sumeet’s actions.

Pilot Qualifications

Sumeet Sabharwal is a seasoned pilot with a wealth of experience. He joined Air India in 1994 and has logged a total of 15,638 flight hours, including 8,596 hours on Boeing 787 aircraft.

Before piloting the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, he operated a Boeing 777 and completed training for the newer model in 2014.

Concerns Over Mental Health

Following the accident, investigators reportedly evaluated Sabharwal’s mental health. This examination was prompted by personal struggles, including the loss of his mother and marital separation. However, his father disputes claims of emotional distress affecting his son’s performance.

Disputed Findings

Pushkaraj Sabharwal has criticized the investigation team for allegedly biased conclusions. He raised particular concerns about the unexplained deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) prior to any crew intervention.

• The RAT acts as an emergency power generator, deploying when standard systems fail.
• The preliminary report suggested that the RAT activated during take-off, before pilots could make any control adjustments.
• This situation may indicate a malfunction rather than pilot error, contradicting the preliminary findings.

Career and Reputation

Throughout his career, Sumeet Sabharwal has maintained a stellar record without any major accidents until this incident. His father believes that the investigation is unjustly placing blame on a competent pilot who cannot adequately defend himself.