Air India: Pilot Who Worked With Late Captain Sumeet for Years Discusses 'Cause' of Crash Severity
- A former Air India pilot who trained under Sumeet Sabharwal described him as a highly skilled and composed man
- The late pilot's trainee praised his mentor's exceptional flying skills and ability to teach complex maneuvers with ease
- The former pilot also speculated that the severity of the crash on June 12 might have been due to a combination of factors
Manmath Routray has paid tribute to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who tragically lost his life in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.
The former Air India pilot, who trained under Sabharwal, noted that he was a highly skilled and composed individual who was respected by everyone.
Source: UGC
Captain Sabharwal's trainee speaks about late pilot
Routray, who was a former Air India commercial pilot and BJD member, shared his memories of Sabharwal following the Air India plane crash, per Times of India.
He had trained under the late pilot for about five years and flew with him on numerous international flights.
Routray remembered Sabharwal as a polished human being with exceptional flying skills, and also praised his ability to teach complex maneuvers with ease.
"He weaved magic when he talked, very impressive," Routray recalled.
In the interview, he also described Sabharwal as one of the finest pilots he had worked with, loved by the aviation community.
Pilot speculates on cause of crash's severity
Routray speculated that the severity of the devastating crash might have been due to a combination of factors.
He noted that the plane's angle of impact and fuel load could have contributed to the severity of the crash.
"The nose of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was still up while crashing. The tail portion hit first. So I think, except for the tail, the remainder of the fuselage received the full impact. With full fuel, a minor spark could result in a ball of flames, and that is what happened," he observed.
Source: UGC
Routray emphasised that the investigation would disclose the truth behind the crash. He also described the Boeing 787 as an impeccable aircraft with no history of major accidents.
"Boeing 787 was an impeccable aircraft with no history of major accidents. It was the most demanded aircraft. I flew it myself for five years. So, the black box and DVR will reveal the truth," he said.
The aviation community remembered Sabharwal as a dedicated professional who was nearing retirement.
Routray knew that the late pilot was planning to retire soon, having had a long and illustrious career.
He said Sabharwal's legacy would live on through the memories of his colleagues and trainees.
An investigation has been going on to determine the cause of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad, and this could take months or even years to identify due to the complex nature.
Captain Sabharwal's house help reacts
Sonam, the housekeeper of the captain, said that the late pilot was a calm man and never spoke too much.
On the day he was leaving for the fatal flight, she stated he told her:
"I don't remember the date, but on the day he was leaving, he was telling me, 'I'm going tomorrow. Take care of papa. I will not be there for four to five days'."
Why tributes flow after tragic deaths - Expert
Following the tragic Air India crash, a clinical psychologist, Samuel Atilola, explained why people often feel compelled to speak about a deceased person’s kindness or character.
Speaking with Legit.ng, Atilola said:
“Because we intuitively know that death is the worst tragedy that can happen to anyone. We rarely even wish it on our rivals. People feel the need to soften the terrible blow of death with something kind and hopeful. This reduces the guilt, fear, and uncertainty they feel deep down about their own vulnerability to death.”
Captain's instruction to co-pilot uncovered
Legit.ng previously reported that the captain of the ill-fated Air India flight reportedly handed over control of the plane to the first officer before takeoff.
This handover was captured in the cockpit recordings from the recovered black boxes amid the investigation into the crash that claimed hundreds of lives.
Joseph Omotayo, the HOD of the Human Interest Desk, contributed to this report, adding Captain Sabharwal's house help's comment after his death.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a clinical psychologist for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
