Mangaluru-origin pilot among crew of crashed Air India flight
India’s aviation industry was dealt a devastating blow on Thursday afternoon when Air India’s flight AI 171 crashed into a residential zone in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, shortly after take-off. The tragic accident has left the nation in shock, with the country’s aviation authorities and the families of the victims reeling from the news. Among the crew members who lost their lives in the crash was First Officer Clive Kunder, a Mangaluru-origin pilot who was based in Mumbai.
Kunder, who had undergone flight training at Paris Air Inc., was part of the cockpit crew of the ill-fated flight. The 36-year-old pilot had a promising career ahead of him, with years of experience in the aviation industry. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends and family members struggling to come to terms with the loss.
According to sources, the Air India flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:45 pm on Thursday, bound for Mumbai. The plane was carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, including Kunder. However, just 10 minutes after take-off, the plane suddenly lost altitude and crashed into a residential zone in Meghani Nagar, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The exact cause of the crash is still unknown, with investigations being conducted by the Indian aviation authorities. However, eyewitnesses have reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames engulfing the plane before it hit the ground.
Kunder’s hometown of Mangaluru has been plunged into mourning following the news of his death. The city’s aviation enthusiasts and residents have taken to social media to pay tribute to the fallen pilot, remembering his dedication to his work and his love for flying.
“Clive was a talented pilot with a passion for flying,” said a colleague of Kunder’s. “He was always eager to take on new challenges and had a keen eye for detail. His loss is a tremendous blow to all of us who knew him.”
Kunder’s family has also been left reeling from the news, with relatives and friends rushing to Mangaluru to offer their condolences.
“We are still trying to come to terms with what has happened,” said Kunder’s uncle. “Clive was a very bright and ambitious young man who had always dreamed of flying. His death is a tragedy that will be felt by all of us who knew him.”
The crash of Air India flight AI 171 has sent shockwaves through the Indian aviation industry, with the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
The incident has also sparked concerns about air safety in India, with many calling for greater vigilance and accountability in the aviation sector.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the people of Mangaluru and the wider aviation community are left to mourn the loss of a talented young pilot who had his whole life ahead of him.
