A shocking revelation about the mental health struggles of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot responsible for the deadly Air India crash last month, has sparked intense scrutiny of airline protocols and pilot screening procedures.

According to New York Post, medical records turned over to investigators show that the 56-year-old pilot had taken medical leave in recent years due to depression and other mental health issues before the tragic June 12 crash that claimed 241 lives.

The devastating incident, which left just one survivor, has raised serious questions about Air India's medical clearance procedures and pilot monitoring systems. Captain Sabharwal, who had accumulated over 15,000 flying hours, had passed his most recent medical examination in September 2024.

Mental Health History Raises Red Flags

Aviation safety expert Mohan Ranganathan revealed that multiple Air India pilots had expressed concerns about Sabharwal's mental state. The veteran pilot had taken several periods of medical leave over the past three to four years to address his mental health challenges.

Personal tragedy may have contributed to Sabharwal's struggles, as he took bereavement leave following his mother's death in 2022. Sources indicate he had been considering retirement to care for his aging father before the fatal crash.

The revelations about Sabharwal's mental health history have prompted aviation experts to call for stricter psychological evaluations and monitoring of commercial airline pilots. Current protocols allowed him to return to active duty despite his documented struggles.

Preliminary Investigation Points to Critical Error

Initial findings from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicate that the jet's engine fuel cutoff switch was activated just three seconds after takeoff. This crucial detail has become central to understanding the crash's cause.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has pushed back against early conclusions suggesting pilot error, stating in an internal memo that the investigation is "far from over." The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association maintains that the flight crew acted according to their training.

Both black boxes, including cockpit voice recorders and flight data, were recovered from the crash site and are being analyzed to provide more definitive answers about the sequence of events leading to the disaster.

Impact Beyond the Aviation Industry

The crash has had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate loss of life on the aircraft. Nineteen people on the ground were killed when the plane crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad.

British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh emerged as the sole survivor, describing his miraculous escape from the wreckage. His survival story has captured international attention amid the tragedy.

The incident has sparked widespread debate about mental health screening in the aviation industry and the balance between privacy rights and public safety.

Why This Story Matters

This story has deep significance not only due to its devastating loss of life but because it raises difficult questions about safety and mental health in aviation. With complex human factors involved, it underscores the importance of transparency and thoroughness in the face of tragedy. Investigative reporting like this ensures accountability while honoring the lives lost. As more facts come into view, the community and aviation industry must take these lessons seriously to prevent future heartbreak.

Conclusion

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 crashed just after departing from Ahmedabad en route to London, killing 260 people. British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh survived as the crash’s only miracle. Investigators are focusing on the actions of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, including the unexplained flipping of the aircraft's fuel cutoff switch and his history of depression.

While no mechanical faults were found, the investigation continues under the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Air India and industry experts urge patience as the official findings are finalized. As families, citizens, and aviation workers await answers, the world watches closely, hoping to learn how to avoid such a grim outcome in the future.