The tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, along with several people on the ground, marking one of India's worst aviation disasters in recent decades. As rescue teams continue their grim task and families grapple with unimaginable loss, the focus is now shifting to the crucial investigation aimed at uncovering the cause of this devastating event. A key component of this investigation is the analysis of the aircraft's "black box," officially known as the flight data recorder (FDR).
The recovery of the black box from the crash site has been confirmed by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who described it as a critical step forward. The device was found on a rooftop near the crash site by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB has commenced working with “full force” to extract the data. The FDR is expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport.
So, what exactly will investigators be looking for when they analyze the data stored within the black box? The FDR meticulously records a vast array of flight parameters, including airspeed, altitude, engine performance, control surface positions, and various other system indications. By examining these data points, investigators can reconstruct the flight path and assess the performance of the aircraft's critical systems. Any anomalies or deviations from normal operating parameters could offer valuable clues about the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
In addition to the FDR, the black box also contains a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR captures the audio environment within the cockpit, including conversations between the pilots, ambient sounds, and any alerts or warnings that may have been triggered. Analyzing the CVR can provide insights into the crew's actions, decision-making processes, and any potential communication breakdowns that may have contributed to the accident.
Aviation experts emphasize that the black box data, when combined with other evidence gathered from the crash site, such as wreckage analysis and witness statements, will paint a clearer picture of the factors that led to the disaster. Potential scenarios that investigators will explore include engine failure, mechanical malfunctions, control system issues, human error, and external factors such as weather conditions. According to the Aviation Ministry, the pilot's last message to Air Traffic Control (ATC) was a "Mayday" call, after the plane failed to rise above 650 feet.
The analysis of the black box data is a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized expertise. The AAIB is collaborating with international agencies, including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British investigators, to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation. It is expected that the initial findings from the black box analysis could be available within a week, offering preliminary answers. However, a complete and definitive determination of the cause of the crash may take several months, or even longer, as investigators meticulously examine all available evidence.
Meanwhile, authorities are working to identify the victims. Most bodies are charred or mutilated, and the local authorities are working to identify them by matching DNA samples. As of today, DNA samples of 11 victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad matched with their family members. The lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is under observation at the Civil Hospital for his impact wounds.
