The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently deliberating whether to send the black boxes from the crashed Air India AI-171 flight abroad for analysis, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This decision will be based on a thorough assessment of technical, safety, and security considerations. The ministry's statement follows reports suggesting the black boxes were already being sent to the US for analysis.

Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as AI-171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, 2025, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The AAIB is actively investigating the incident and has recovered both black boxes – the combined Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

The AAIB's priority is to conduct a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the black box data to determine the cause of the crash. Several factors will influence the decision on where to conduct this analysis. These include the extent of damage to the black boxes, the capabilities of the AAIB's own black box lab in Delhi, and the need for specialized expertise or equipment.

India has made significant strides in developing its capabilities for analyzing black boxes. In April 2025, the AAIB inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Laboratory in New Delhi. This lab, established with the support of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is equipped with advanced infrastructure for analyzing black boxes and investigating aircraft incidents with precision. It can repair damaged black boxes, retrieve data and correlate data from the CVR, radar, and FDR.

Despite these advancements, there are situations where sending black boxes abroad for analysis may be necessary. For example, if the black boxes have sustained heavy damage, the AAIB's lab may require advanced technology upgrades or specialized expertise to extract the data. In such cases, the AAIB may consider sending the black boxes to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vehicle Recorder Laboratory in the US, which has extensive experience in analyzing damaged flight recorders. Previously, before the commissioning of the new lab, the AAIB used to send CVR and FDR to the US or France.

The government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and adherence to international aviation protocols throughout the investigation. In line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, a preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days, followed by a detailed final report within a year. The investigation will likely examine various factors, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, and pre-flight check lapses. The presence of redundant black box systems is expected to strengthen the accuracy of the analysis.