Investigators looking into the recent Air India crash are now reviewing the pilots’ medical records following reports that the captain may have been struggling with depression and mental health issues.

 

According to media reports, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was under the control of Captain Sumit Sabharwal at the time of the incident, who had logged over 8,200 flight hours in his career.

 

A leading aviation safety expert in India, however, revealed that several Air India pilots have confirmed Captain Sabharwal had been dealing with mental health problems. They claimed he had taken medical leave and a break from flying over the past three to four years, but was cleared to fly again by Air India before the crash.

 

The tragic accident occurred on June 12, when Air India Flight 171 crashed just moments after take-off. Reports state that two fuel switches in the cockpit were turned off shortly after departure, causing both engines to shut down and the aircraft to plummet to the ground.

 

Experts note that these fuel switches have a locking mechanism and need to be lifted before they can be turned off, making it unlikely they were accidentally switched off.

 

The investigation is now focusing on the pilot’s behaviour and mental state. 

 

The Air India plane crashed into a residential area, killing 241 passengers on board as well as 19 people on the ground. The probe is ongoing as investigators look deeper into potential lapses in medical clearance and cockpit procedures.