Crashed Air India plane had ‘clean history’, pilots were ‘exceptional’: Tata Sons Chairman

In the wake of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran has addressed the public. He offered condolences to the families and firmly defended the aircraft’s condition and the flight crew’s expertise. Chandrasekaran described the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as having a “clean history” and praised the pilots as “exceptional professionals.”

The crash, which killed more than 270 people, has sparked a wide-ranging investigation and raised several concerns.

Aircraft Was Airworthy

Chandrasekaran confirmed that the aircraft had no prior mechanical issues. It had passed all regular maintenance checks. One engine had been replaced in March 2025, and the other had received service in 2023. Both were in top condition at the time of the flight.

He said, “There were no red flags in any maintenance log. The aircraft met all international airworthiness standards.”

This directly counters rumors suggesting the aircraft might have suffered from overdue repairs or past technical faults.

Experienced Pilots on Board

The flight had two senior pilots in command. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had over 11,500 hours of flying experience, mostly on wide-body jets like the Dreamliner. First Officer Clive Kunder had logged more than 3,400 hours.

“They were experienced, well-trained, and had completed emergency response drills recently,” Chandrasekaran said.

He dismissed speculation that pilot error caused the accident. “Both crew members were capable and professional. They responded according to their training,” he added.

What Happened on Flight AI-171?

Flight AI-171 was flying from London to Mumbai when the pilot issued a mayday call. The message cited “loss of engine thrust.” Witnesses saw the aircraft descend rapidly before crashing near a residential area outside Mumbai.

Emergency teams arrived quickly but found widespread damage. The crash killed 241 people on board and at least 30 residents on the ground. Only one passenger survived. That individual, seated near the rear, remains in critical condition.

A Multi-National Investigation

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. The investigation team includes experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has also joined the effort.

Investigators are focusing on the aircraft’s emergency systems. One key component is the ram air turbine (RAT), which provides emergency power if both engines fail. Initial data suggests the RAT may not have deployed properly.

Authorities recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Analysts are currently reviewing the recordings. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Restoring Trust in Air India

Chandrasekaran acknowledged the damage this tragedy has caused to public confidence. He stated, “This event must push us to reimagine safety and care in aviation. We must learn and improve.”

Air India has grounded 13 Dreamliner aircraft and canceled several long-haul flights. Technicians are conducting detailed checks on the remaining fleet. The DGCA has ordered all airlines in India to conduct emergency drills by June 30.

Tata Group is also reviewing contracts with international maintenance firms. However, Chandrasekaran clarified that Turkish Technic, which serviced parts of the aircraft, had no role in the crash.

Moving Forward with Accountability

Aviation experts stress that every crash is a warning. Capt. Rajesh Khanna, an aviation safety advisor, said, “We must use this moment to ask hard questions. It’s not just about this aircraft — it’s about how we train, inspect, and operate.”

Families of victims are demanding clear answers. Compensation and liability discussions will follow, but the priority remains the full uncovering of facts.

Chandrasekaran closed his remarks with a solemn vow. “This is one of the darkest moments in Tata Group’s history. We owe it to the victims and to every future passenger to make sure this never happens again.”