The aftermath of the devastating Air India AI171 plane crash in Ahmedabad continues to unfold, with investigators making significant progress in understanding the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, resulting in the loss of at least 265 lives, both on board and on the ground.
In a grim development, the body of an air hostess was discovered in the tail section of the aircraft, a particularly challenging area to access due to the extensive wreckage. This discovery underscores the immense scale of the disaster and the difficult conditions under which search and rescue teams are operating.
A major breakthrough in the investigation came with the recovery of both black boxes – the Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The first black box was found in the rear of the aircraft on Thursday night. Shockingly, the second black box was located on the rooftop of the BJMC hostel, near the crash site. These devices are crucial for understanding the final moments of the flight, as they record cockpit conversations, flight dynamics, and system behavior. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the recovery marks an important step forward and will significantly aid the inquiry.
Given the complexity of the data and the need for advanced analysis, authorities have decided to decode the black boxes abroad, collaborating with international aviation safety experts. This decision reflects the seriousness of the investigation and the commitment to ensuring a transparent and accurate forensic analysis.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the crash. The DGCA has already issued directives to Air India, mandating immediate additional maintenance actions on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with Gen X engines. Effective from midnight on June 15th, Air India is required to conduct a one-time pre-departure check on flights leaving India, including inspections of fuel parameter monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, electronic engine control systems, and hydraulic systems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with the sole survivor, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar, who is receiving medical treatment. Modi also held a review meeting with officials at the airport. In the wake of the tragedy, resident doctors from the impacted hostel are being shifted to a new area as a precautionary measure.
The crash has had a profound impact on the community, with families grieving the loss of loved ones. DNA samples are being collected to identify the victims, many of whom were charred beyond recognition. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was on board the flight.
The incident has also raised questions about potential lapses in safety protocols. A whistleblower had sounded the alarm in 2024 about flaws in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
