The ongoing investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad has reached a critical point with the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). This comes just days after the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) was located, both of which are expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 270 people.

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into the B. J. Medical College campus in the Meghaninagar neighborhood, causing a devastating fire and widespread destruction. Only one passenger miraculously survived the crash. In addition to the fatalities on board, at least 38 people on the ground were also killed, and many more were injured.

The recovery of the CVR is a significant step forward in the investigation process. Paired with the FDR, these "black boxes" are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the crash. The FDR contains detailed information about the aircraft's performance, including airspeed, altitude, engine performance, and control settings. The CVR, on the other hand, records the audio environment in the cockpit, capturing conversations between the pilots and any other sounds that may be relevant to the investigation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has launched a full-scale investigation, with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducting a parallel probe, as the aircraft was manufactured in the United States. Investigators are hoping that the data from the black boxes will help them determine the precise sequence of events that led to the crash, including any mechanical failures, human error, or other contributing factors.

According to initial reports, the flight crew issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff, reporting a loss of power and thrust. This information aligns with the fact that the plane lost thrust 36 seconds after takeoff. The weather conditions at the time of the flight were reported as stable with clear visibility.

In the wake of the crash, India's aviation regulator has ordered Air India to conduct additional safety inspections on its fleet of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. These inspections include power assurance checks and a review of various systems, such as fuel parameters, cabin air compressor, engine control system, hydraulic system, and takeoff parameters.

Meanwhile, efforts to identify the victims of the crash are ongoing. The process has been hampered by the severe condition of the remains, with many bodies being charred or mutilated in the fire. DNA matching is being used to identify the victims, and so far, 87 individuals have been identified and 47 bodies handed over to their families. The forensic process is expected to continue for some time due to the extent of the damage.