Ahmedabad plane crash: Co-pilot Clive Kundar remembered as humble and compassionate

Ahmedabad plane crash: Co-pilot Clive Kundar remembered as humble and compassionate

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, June 14, 2025: Clive Kundar, the co-pilot who tragically lost his life in the plane crash near Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, on Thursday, is being fondly remembered as a soft-spoken and humble individual by professor, friends, family and church members.

Professor Urvashi, who taught Clive Physics at Wilson College in Mumbai, broke down while recalling her former student, describing him as "brilliant, disciplined, punctual, and systematic," qualities she believes contributed to his success as a pilot. She shared her heartbreak upon learning of the tragedy through a television report and speaking with one of Clive’s batchmates, reflecting on his ambition to "do something different" and live a fulfilling life. The crash, which claimed the lives of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Kunder, who had logged 1,100 hours, has left many mourning the loss of a promising young aviator.

“He was a good human being, calm in nature, and mingled with everyone. Despite working as a pilot for a major airline, he never displayed any arrogance,” shared Rev. Sam Munni, pastor of Christ Kanthi Church under the United Basel Mission (UBM) in Kurla, Mumbai. A dedicated member of his church, Clive frequently attended services during his time off. “He actively participated in the Easter service this year. His friendly nature and willingness to connect with everyone made him beloved in the community,” said Pastor Munni.

Clive, whose family has been settled in Mumbai for years, had strong roots in Mangaluru, his father Clifford Kundar’s hometown. His mother, Rekha Kundar, a native of Mumbai and a former air hostess, supported his passion for aviation. Clive completed his schooling in Mumbai before pursuing pilot training in Florida, USA. His journey to becoming a commercial pilot for a leading airline was marked by determination and hard work.

Flying was Clive’s dream from a young age. In 2010, as a high school student, he once asked an aviation expert, “If I take pilot training, is there a guarantee I’ll get a job?” This query reflected his early passion and concern for achieving his aspirations. Despite achieving his dreams, his life was cut short, leaving a void among his loved ones and the community. “His passing is a reminder of life’s unpredictability, even for those soaring high,” remarked a close family friend.

Floyd D’Souza, a neighbor at Jerome Apartment, shared that Clive initially worked as an aeronautical engineer before fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot. “He and his family were very good-natured people. They were so happy when Clive became a pilot. When I heard about the crash and Clive from a common friend, I was shocked. It’s painful when all the great memories come flooding back,” he said.

Bonafacio Murzello, a friend of Clive’s father Clifford, recalled watching Clive play cricket in the building compound. “We used to call his father Rambo because of his love for bodybuilding. The family loved sports,” he reminisced.