Will quit flying to care for you, father: Air India Pilot's promise days before crash

Captain Sumit Sabarwal was the Pilot-in-Charge of the London-bound Air India flight that tragically crashed near Ahmedabad Airport on Friday, leaving only one survivor and plunging the nation into shock. Among those who lost their lives was Captain Sabarwal himself, a seasoned pilot, deeply respected for his dedication and exceptional skill.

Just three days before the fatal flight, Sabarwal had made a heartfelt promise to his ailing father, Pushkaraj, a man in his late 80s, that he would soon resign from his job and return home to take care of him.

Shiv Sena MLA from Maharashtra, Dilip Lande, who visited the grieving family at their Mumbai residence, recounted the heart-wrenching scene. The pilot’s father, devastated and inconsolable, struggled to speak as tears streamed down his face, Lande said.

“I didn’t know how to even begin a conversation. His father couldn't say a word. His eyes were filled with tears. He told me Sumit had spoken to him just three days ago, saying he wanted to leave flying and come home to care for him,” Lande said.

Sabharwal lived with his father in the Powai area in Mumbai. The father had earlier served with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Wing Commander (Retd) Sanjay Pai, a family friend of Sabarwal,described him as a "good member of society" and said the community was reeling under the news of his demise. "When society members learned about his death yesterday, we all went into shock. Many people came to meet his family. It is hard to believe he is gone," he said.

Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of flying experience.