The investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew in addition to dozens on the ground, is underway with the assistance of U.S. and U.K. investigators. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting a swift response from international agencies.

International Collaboration:

Recognizing the multinational nature of the tragedy, with over 50 U.K. nationals among the deceased and the aircraft being U.S.-made, authorities from the United States and the United Kingdom have joined the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in the investigation. Key agencies involved include:

• U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): The NTSB is the top U.S. agency for transport accident investigation.
• U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is the civil aviation watchdog of the U.S.
• U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB): A team of investigators from the AAIB with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering, and recorded data is providing support to the AAIB.
• Boeing: A team from the aerospace manufacturer Boeing is expected to participate in the investigation.

Key Evidence Being Analysed:

The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash, with investigators meticulously examining various pieces of evidence. Key areas of focus include:

• Flight Data Recorders (Black Boxes): Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered. The FDR contains data on flight parameters, while the CVR captures cockpit audio, including pilot conversations and any relevant sounds. Downloading and analyzing the data from the black boxes could take several days.
• Wreckage Examination: Investigators are sifting through the wreckage to identify any signs of mechanical failure, structural damage, or other anomalies that may have contributed to the crash.
• Security Assessment: National Security Guard teams have conducted crash site analysis using advanced scanners and sniffer dogs and found no evidence of explosives.
• Air Traffic Control Data: Investigators are reviewing radar data and communications with air traffic control to understand the flight's trajectory and any instructions or warnings issued. According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad Airport, the aircraft departed from runway 23 and gave a Mayday call almost immediately, signaling an emergency, but thereafter there was no response from the aircraft.
• Aircraft Maintenance Records: Reviewing the maintenance history of the aircraft to identify any recurring issues or unresolved problems.
• Pilot Background and Health: Delving into the background and health of the crew.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Gathering information from eyewitnesses who saw the crash or its immediate aftermath.
• CCTV Footage: Examining CCTV images that captured the moment the Air India flight took off.

Possible Factors Under Consideration:

While the investigation is ongoing, some potential factors that may have contributed to the crash include:

• Technical Malfunction: Initial analysis of flight visuals raised questions about the aircraft’s configuration, indicating the landing gear remained extended and the wing flaps were fully retracted, an abnormal situation for takeoff. It has been suggested that the aircraft appeared to suffer a power failure just moments after takeoff.
• System Failure: A visiting professor of aviation security suggested it "seems likely" the accident was caused by system or multiple systems failures.
• Pilot Error: Considering whether the pilots made any decisions or took actions that jeopardized the safety of the aircraft, particularly regarding flap settings for takeoff.
• Environmental Conditions: Assessing whether weather conditions, such as hot temperatures, played a role in the accident.

Next Steps:

The investigation is expected to be a lengthy and complex process. The data from the flight recorders will be crucial in understanding the sequence of events leading up to the crash. The analysis of the wreckage, along with other evidence, will help investigators determine the probable cause of the accident and make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In the meantime, Air India has been ordered to conduct additional safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.