In a heart-wrenching farewell, family of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal paid their final respects after authorities confirmed his identity through DNA testing and brought his body to Mumbai.
With folded hands and tears streaming down his face, Captain Sabharwal’s father stood beside the casket at their home in Jal Vayu Vihar, Powai. The 56-year-old pilot was among the 241 people who perished when the aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel building shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
An Unkept Promise to His Father
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had promised to retire soon and dedicate his time to caring for his elderly father. “Only a few days ago, he told his father that he would be quitting his job to look after him full time,” said Shiv Sena lawmaker Dilip Lande while condoling with the family.
The veteran pilot, who logged over 8,200 hours of flying time, was preparing to end his aviation career to fulfill this promise. Tragically, that commitment now remains unkept.
Loved and Respected by All
Neighbours described the Sabharwals as a family deeply rooted in the aviation industry. Captain Sabharwal’s father previously served at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and his two nephews are also commercial pilots.
“Whenever he flew out, Sumeet would ask us to keep an eye on his father. He has now been left devastated,” a neighbour told the Hindustan Times.
Friends, colleagues, and family members gathered to celebrate the life of a man renowned for his humility, kindness, and unwavering professionalism.
“I had the opportunity to serve him a vegetarian meal. We walked many times together and ate meals together,” recalled a former cabin crew colleague. “He joined in front of me. He was a dedicated son, committed and skilled pilot.”
Another friend called him “a peaceful and composed man” and added, “He never showed his position. He was very grounded and a wonderful soul.”
The Final Flight
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal issued a “Mayday” distress call shortly before losing contact with Air Traffic Control. Pilots use a “Mayday” signal as a formal emergency alert to indicate a life-threatening situation onboard.
As mourners laid Captain Sabharwal to rest, the city grieved not just the loss of a pilot but of a compassionate human being and devoted son.
“Wonderful and pure soul and a thorough gentleman left too soon,” said his former colleague, her voice trembling with grief.