Air India pilot’s reported tragic final words in distressed mayday call before crash that

A tragic accident involving an Air India flight has left many questions unanswered, even as new details emerge about what happened just moments before the crash.

On June 12, an Air India aircraft departing from Ahmedabad Airport crashed shortly after takeoff. The flight, AI 171, was en route to London Gatwick and was scheduled to arrive in the UK at 6:25 PM local time.

However, the plane reached an altitude of only around 625 feet before it fell from the sky, crashing approximately four miles from the airport.

According to Air India, there were 242 individuals on board, including both passengers and crew. The airline confirmed that the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian citizen, and seven Portuguese nationals.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the crash site to carry out rescue and recovery operations.
(Photo by SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images)

As of now, reports indicate that there is only one survivor: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai stated that 265 bodies have been recovered so far—including victims on the ground. This number is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.

Investigators are currently working to determine the precise cause of the crash. Further details are anticipated in the coming days.

The flight was being operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. According to India’s aviation regulator, the pilots issued a mayday call to air traffic control before the crash. After that distress call, there was no further communication from the aircraft.

Reportedly, the captain’s final radio transmission included the message: “Mayday […] no thrust, losing power, unable to lift.”

It is believed that the flight crew tried to stabilize the aircraft as it descended, but the plane ultimately crashed into a nearby medical college hostel.

Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran issued a public statement expressing sorrow over the incident, calling it a “tragic accident.”

“With deep sadness, I confirm that Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of everyone impacted by this devastating event,” Chandrasekaran said.

“Our immediate priority is to provide every form of support to those affected. We are working closely with emergency services at the site and have mobilized resources to aid the response and assist the victims’ families.”

He added that an emergency response center has been activated and dedicated support teams have been deployed to help the families of those affected. More information will be released as official details are confirmed.