The investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, is progressing, with focus on the condition of the aircraft's black boxes and what they might reveal about the cause of the tragedy that claimed approximately 270 lives. The flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, impacting a medical college hostel and resulting in casualties both on board and on the ground.
The recovery of the black boxes, which are actually bright orange to aid in locating them amidst wreckage, is a crucial step in determining the sequence of events leading to the crash. These devices consist of two main components: the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The DFDR records various flight parameters, such as altitude, speed, engine performance, and control inputs, while the CVR captures conversations and other sounds in the cockpit, potentially providing insights into the crew's actions and any warnings or anomalies they encountered.
According to reports, both black box units from the Air India flight AI-171 have sustained damage. One of the units is visibly more damaged than the other, likely due to a fall during or after the crash. The outer surface of one black box is damaged. The damage to the black boxes has raised concerns about the integrity of the data stored within. While the data itself is stored in binary format and is generally well-protected, physical damage to the recorders can complicate the retrieval process.
Given the condition of the black boxes, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is carefully considering the next steps for data retrieval. While the AAIB inaugurated a new Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder lab at its headquarters in April, the extent of the damage to the recorders may necessitate the use of more sophisticated equipment. Several options are under consideration for decoding the black box data. These include sending the recorders to facilities in the United States, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom, or to Singapore. The final decision will be based on a comprehensive assessment of technical, safety, and security considerations.
In the meantime, the AAIB investigation is proceeding with other lines of inquiry. Investigators are analyzing a 59-second CCTV video clip that shows the plane's takeoff and subsequent crash. The video shows the plane taking off, gaining some altitude, flying flat for a couple of seconds, and then starting to descend with its tail down. The landing gear visibly remains open throughout the clip. They are also examining the pilot training records, the aircraft's maintenance history, and potential issues related to engine thrust and flap operation. The fact that the emergency power system, known as the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), was reportedly operating during the crash raises questions about whether the plane's engines functioned properly during takeoff.
Air India has initiated its own efforts to support the investigation and assist the families of the victims. The airline has set up assistance centers at various airports and established a dedicated passenger hotline. Furthermore, Air India has enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet, which may result in flight delays. The airline has also decided to reduce its international wide-body flights by around 15 percent starting June 20, through to at least mid-July.
