On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, India, crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, along with 19 people on the ground. The tragedy, the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787, sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond. Initial investigations pointed to a catastrophic loss of engine thrust caused by the fuel control switches being moved to the “CUTOFF” position, a highly unusual action during takeoff. However, a startling discovery weeks later added a haunting new dimension to the investigation: a handwritten note from Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, taped to the dashboard of the cockpit, went unnoticed until recently. This article explores the significance of this overlooked message, its implications for the investigation, and the broader questions it raises about human factors in aviation safety.

The Crash of Air India Flight 171

Air India Flight 171 was a routine international flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned aviator with over 15,600 flight hours, including 8,596 on the Boeing 787. His co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kunder, aged 32, had 3,403 flight hours, with 1,128 on the Dreamliner. Both pilots were certified, rested, and had passed pre-flight breathalyzer tests, according to the preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

The flight began normally, with the aircraft cleared for takeoff from Ahmedabad’s runway 23 at 13:37:33 IST. It lifted off at 13:38:39, reaching a maximum altitude of 625 feet. But within seconds, both engines lost thrust after the fuel control switches were inexplicably moved to “CUTOFF.” The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured a chilling exchange: one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t.” The plane crashed into a residential area near B.J. Medical College, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The preliminary report, released on July 11, 2025, ruled out mechanical or maintenance faults, focusing attention on the fuel switches. These switches, located on the center console between the pilots, are designed with spring-loaded locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement. Moving them to “CUTOFF” requires deliberate action, raising questions about whether the incident resulted from human error, miscommunication, or something more sinister.

The Handwritten Note: A Missed Clue

In a shocking revelation, investigators recently discovered a handwritten note taped to the dashboard of the wrecked cockpit, authored by Captain Sabharwal. The note, which went unnoticed during the initial recovery of the black boxes and wreckage, was found during a secondary sweep of the crash site in early July. Its contents have not been fully disclosed, pending the ongoing investigation, but sources close to the AAIB indicate that it contained a personal message that may shed light on the captain’s state of mind before the flight.

The note’s existence has sparked intense speculation. Why was it taped to the dashboard, a highly visible location in the cockpit? Why did no one—neither the co-pilot, cabin crew, nor ground staff—notice it before takeoff? And most critically, could it have provided a warning that might have prevented the tragedy? The AAIB has cautioned against premature conclusions, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that the note’s significance remains under evaluation.

According to unverified reports, the note was written in Sabharwal’s handwriting and appeared to be a personal reflection rather than a technical checklist or operational instruction. Some sources suggest it alluded to personal struggles, possibly referencing the captain’s reported history of depression, which had led him to take time off from flying in recent years. However, the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) and the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) have strongly criticized speculation about pilot suicide or mental health issues, calling such claims “reckless and unfounded” without verified evidence.

The Pilots and Cockpit Dynamics

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a respected figure in Air India, known for his meticulous habits and mentorship of junior pilots. Trained at India’s premier aviation school, he was described as soft-spoken and deeply committed to his career. His personal life, however, was not without challenges; friends noted his dedication to caring for his aging father, a former civil aviation official. First Officer Clive Kunder, the pilot flying during the crash, was a rising star whose childhood dream of flying was inspired by his mother’s career as an Air India flight attendant.

The CVR revealed a critical moment of confusion in the cockpit. As the fuel switches were moved to “CUTOFF,” one pilot questioned the other, but the response was a denial of responsibility. The preliminary report did not specify who spoke which line, leaving investigators to piece together the cockpit dynamics. Since Kunder was focused on flying the aircraft, Sabharwal, as the monitoring pilot, likely had more opportunity to interact with the cockpit controls, including the fuel switches.

The discovery of the handwritten note adds a new layer to this mystery. If Sabharwal wrote and placed the note, did he intend for it to be seen before takeoff? Was it a cry for help, a personal memento, or something else entirely? The fact that it went unnoticed suggests a failure in pre-flight checks or communication, raising questions about crew resource management (CRM) and situational awareness.

Implications for Aviation Safety

The unnoticed note underscores several critical issues in aviation safety. First, it highlights the importance of thorough pre-flight inspections. Cockpit dashboards are central to a pilot’s workspace, and any unusual item, such as a handwritten note, should prompt scrutiny. The fact that ground crew, maintenance staff, and the co-pilot missed the note suggests a potential lapse in protocol or attention to detail.

Second, the incident raises questions about mental health screening for pilots. While both pilots were deemed fit for duty, Sabharwal’s reported history of depression has fueled speculation, despite objections from pilot associations. The aviation industry has made strides in addressing mental health, but stigma and underreporting remain challenges. The note’s discovery may prompt calls for more robust psychological evaluations and support systems for pilots.

Third, the incident underscores the need for improved cockpit design and technology. The fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 are equipped with locking mechanisms, yet they were moved to “CUTOFF” during a critical phase of flight. A 2018 FAA advisory noted that some Boeing 737 fuel switches had disengaged locking features, though this was not deemed a mandatory fix. Air India did not conduct the recommended inspections on the crashed aircraft. The note’s placement near the switches raises the possibility of an accidental interaction, though this seems unlikely given the deliberate nature of the switch design.

Public and Industry Reactions

The discovery of the note has intensified public and industry scrutiny of the crash. Families of the victims, already grappling with the loss of loved ones, have demanded transparency. One relative told the BBC, “Until the airline provides the cockpit recording to us, I’m not going to believe it.” The AAIB has faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, with the FIP decrying the exclusion of pilot representatives and the selective interpretation of CVR data.

Air India’s leadership, including CEO Campbell Wilson, has urged restraint in drawing conclusions, emphasizing that the investigation is far from complete. Wilson faced backlash for allegedly echoing a statement by American Airlines’ CEO in his public remarks, further fueling public distrust. Meanwhile, Boeing and GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, have pledged support for the investigation but have avoided commenting on the note’s implications.

The Heroic Narrative

Amid the tragedy, Captain Sabharwal has been hailed as a hero by some Ahmedabad residents. Reports suggest he attempted to divert the crashing aircraft away from a densely populated apartment block, potentially saving dozens of lives. Locals credit his quick thinking for averting an even greater disaster, though this narrative is complicated by the note’s discovery and questions about his actions in the cockpit.

Conclusion: A Tragedy Shrouded in Mystery

The handwritten note taped to the dashboard of Air India Flight 171 is a haunting reminder of the complexities of aviation accidents. Whether it was a personal reflection, a warning, or an incidental detail, its oversight underscores the need for vigilance, communication, and robust safety protocols. As investigators continue to analyze the black boxes and the note’s contents, the world awaits answers about what led to one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.

The crash of Flight 171 is a sobering call to action for the aviation industry. It demands a reevaluation of cockpit procedures, mental health support, and technological safeguards to ensure that no warning—written or otherwise—goes unnoticed again. Until the final report is released, the note remains a poignant symbol of the unanswered questions surrounding Captain Sabharwal, First Officer Kunder, and the 260 lives lost on that fateful day.