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What were the names of the two pilots that flew the Air India jet which crashed?

Sources briefed by U.S. officials on their early assessment of the evidence said that a cockpit recording of dialogue between two pilots of an Air India flight which crashed last month confirms that the captain stopped the fuel flow to the plane's engine.

Here is a short profile of both pilots, based on media reports and the preliminary investigation report:

CAPTAIN SUMEET SABHARWAL

The 56-year old pilot had a valid airline transport pilot's license until May 14, 2026.

He was cleared to fly in the role of pilot-in command on several aircraft, including the Boeing 787, 777 and Airbus A310.

He has accumulated a total of 15,638 flying hours. Of these, 8,596 were spent on a Boeing 7.

According to a report in the Times of India, Sabharwal called his family at the airport and assured them that he would call again once he landed in London. He was described as a gentleman by a pilot who briefly spoke with him.

FIRST OFFICER CLIVE KUNDER

The 32-year old had a commercial license that was issued in the year 2020 and was valid until 26 September 2025.

He was cleared to fly the Cessna 172, Piper PA-34 Seneca and Airbus A320 as well as Boeing 787 as a co-pilot.

His total flying time was 3,403 hrs. One-hundred and twenty eight hours were spent as a copilot on a 787.

Indian media, citing his family, reported that Kunder has been a passionate flyer since his school days. In 2012, he began working as a pilot. He joined Air India as a pilot in 2017. Reporting by Abhijith and Adityakalra, editing by Jamie Freed

(source: Reuters)