Investigations into the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash are increasingly focusing on the mental health of the pilot, amid growing concerns that psychological issues may have contributed to the disaster that claimed 260 lives. The crash, which occurred on June 12, resulted in the deaths of all 241 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as well as 19 residents in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area where the aircraft crashed just moments after takeoff.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, was at the controls of the ill-fated flight when it took off from Ahmedabad airport. According to preliminary flight data and cockpit voice recordings, just seconds after liftoff, two critical fuel switches were manually turned off—causing a sudden and total loss of engine power. The aircraft plummeted to the ground within minutes, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
What has particularly alarmed investigators is the fact that these fuel switches are not easily manipulated. Unlike simple push buttons, they are equipped with a locking mechanism that requires a deliberate action: the switch must be lifted before it can be turned off. This has led authorities to rule out the possibility of an accidental shutdown and instead focus on pilot intent and condition.
Air India Crash Probe Focuses on Pilot’s Mental Health and Cockpit Actions
In light of this, investigators are now thoroughly examining the medical history and recent personal background of Captain Sabharwal. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s top aviation regulator, is said to be working closely with both airline officials and independent mental health professionals to determine whether any red flags were overlooked prior to the flight.
According to aviation safety expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan, concerns about Sabharwal’s mental health had previously been raised within Air India. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Ranganathan claimed that “several” pilots within the airline had been aware that Sabharwal had taken extended time off over the past three to four years due to mental health issues. These reportedly included bouts of depression, for which the pilot had sought medical leave.
Ranganathan also noted that Sabharwal had taken bereavement leave following the recent death of his mother, adding to speculation that the pilot may have been emotionally unwell at the time of the crash. “He had taken medical leave for psychological reasons, and he had lost his mother not long before the crash,” Ranganathan said. “That kind of grief can have a profound impact on a person’s state of mind.”
Despite these concerns, Captain Sabharwal had been officially cleared to return to active duty. Air India has confirmed that all standard protocols were followed, and that Sabharwal underwent a full medical evaluation before being permitted to fly again. As per civil aviation regulations, commercial pilots are required to undergo periodic medical and psychological assessments, particularly after a leave of absence.
Air India has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing its ongoing nature. However, the airline expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated that it is fully cooperating with authorities. A spokesperson added that the airline maintains rigorous health and safety standards, and all pilots must meet the necessary medical criteria before flying.
This incident has reignited a broader conversation within the aviation industry about mental health monitoring and support for pilots. The tragic 2015 Germanwings Flight 9525 crash, in which the co-pilot deliberately flew a plane into a mountain, brought global attention to the risks associated with untreated psychological conditions in the cockpit. Since then, airlines worldwide have implemented more robust psychological screening measures—but experts argue that gaps still exist.
“Pilots are under immense pressure, and there is still stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues,” said one former airline captain. “We need to make it safer and easier for pilots to come forward without fear of losing their careers.”
For now, families of the victims are left searching for answers. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release a detailed preliminary report in the coming weeks. The final conclusions may take several months, but investigators are determined to understand whether a preventable factor—such as mental health—played a role in one of India’s deadliest air disasters in recent memory.
