Investigators have successfully recovered flight recorder data from the Air India crash earlier this month, India’s civil aviation ministry confirmed, marking a crucial development in the ongoing investigation.
The tragic incident occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in western India. The disaster claimed the lives of 270 people, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India’s recent history.
Recovery of Black Boxes
Investigators had earlier retrieved both sets of Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs)—commonly known as “black boxes”—from the crash site on June 13 and 16. One was found on a rooftop, while the other was recovered from the debris.
The Boeing 787-8 is equipped with two flight recorders:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – Tracks critical flight parameters, including:
- Gear and flap lever positions
- Thrust settings
- Engine performance
- Fuel flow
- Fire handle activation
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – Captures:
- Pilot radio communications
- Individual microphone audio
- Ambient cockpit sounds
These devices are essential for reconstructing the final moments of the flight and determining the cause of the crash.
Data Analysis Underway
On Wednesday (June 26, 2025), a joint investigative team led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began accessing the data.
In a statement, India’s aviation ministry said:
“The analysis of CVR and FDR data is underway. These efforts aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences.”
However, officials cautioned that it could take several weeks before any findings are publicly released.
International Cooperation in the Probe
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, emphasized the importance of transparency in the investigation. Speaking to Reuters, she stated:
“For aviation safety and for public safety and public awareness, we hope that they will make their findings public swiftly.”
She praised the cooperation between Indian authorities and the NTSB, adding:
“We have had excellent cooperation from the Indian government and the AAIB.”
Questions Over Investigation Delays
The decision to download and analyze the flight recorder data nearly two weeks after the crash has raised concerns among aviation experts. Some have described the delay as “unusual”, given the urgency typically associated with such high-profile air crash investigations.
Details of the Crash
- Flight: Air India 171 (Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner)
- Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to London (LHR)
- Takeoff Time: 13:39 (local time)
- Crash Time: Less than 40 seconds after takeoff
- Final Transmission: A mayday call moments before impact
- Casualties: 270 fatalities (only one survivor reported)
- Crash Site: A densely populated neighborhood in Ahmedabad
Next Steps in the Investigation
- Data Reconstruction – Analysts will piece together flight parameters and cockpit conversations to determine the sequence of events.
- Forensic Examination – Wreckage analysis will check for mechanical failures, structural issues, or external factors.
- Human Factors Review – Pilot actions, air traffic control communications, and crew response will be scrutinized.
- Regulatory Recommendations – Findings may lead to safety advisories or changes in aviation protocols.
Conclusion
The recovery of black box data is a pivotal step in uncovering the truth behind the Air India Flight 171 disaster. While the investigation may take time, authorities have assured the public of a thorough and transparent process.
The aviation world awaits answers, hoping that lessons from this tragedy will lead to safer skies in the future.
Key Questions Still Unanswered:
- What caused the sudden loss of control?
- Were there any technical malfunctions in the Boeing 787?
- Did weather or external factors play a role?
- Why was the black box data retrieval delayed?
Updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
