On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck shortly after Air India Flight AI 171 operated by a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. The aircraft crashed into a hostel near the runway, killing 241 on board and 28 people on the ground, with only one survivor .
Amidst this devastating scene, investigators recovered one of the aircraft’s two black boxes, a discovery that marks a pivotal moment in the investigation.
What Is a Black Box?:
A “black box” comprises:
Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – logs technical flight parameters like altitude, airspeed, engine thrust, and control settings.
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – captures crew conversations, radio communication, and ambient sounds in the cockpit.
Encased in fire- and impact-resistant materials, these devices are engineered to survive even catastrophic crashes, preserving critical data that can be extracted during analysis.
Also Read: An Air India Flight Bound For Delhi Makes Emergency Landing In Phuket Amid Bomb Threat!
Why the Black Box Matters:
Reconstructing the final seconds:
By synchronizing technical and verbal data, investigators can accurately map the sequence of events, determine if thrust dipped, or if mechanical failures occurred.
Clues on crew actions & cockpit conditions:
The CVR will reveal crew decisions, warnings or alarm responses essential for assessing whether the incident was due to human error, system malfunction, or unforeseen emergency.
Fact-based resolution:
Jumping to conclusions risks speculation. The black box ensures decisions are data-backed, guiding accurate findings and safer future practices.
Timeline for Analysis:
Immediate steps: The recovered black box has been secured and will be transported to the DGCA’s Air Safety Directorate in Delhi, with assistance from US FAA, Boeing, and UK investigators.
Decoding: The process of extracting and interpreting data often takes weeks to months, involving cross-verification among international agencies .
International Collaboration Under ICAO Protocol:
In line with international aviation safety standards:
- India’s AAIB is leading the probe, with technical support from the US NTSB, UK AAIB, Boeing, and GE, especially on engine and thrust analysis.
- The aim: identify any technical faults, procedural errors, or maintenance gaps, ensuring transparency and global trust .
Purpose of the Investigation:
- Pinpointing the crash cause whether faulty engine thrust, mechanical failure, or crew misjudgment.
- Policy and safety reforms, including potential grounding of the Boeing 787 fleet.
- Closure and justice for victims’ families, through a factual, evidence-based conclusion.
The black box may be rugged in shell, but its data is priceless it holds notes, commands, readings, and warnings from the final flight. Once decoded, these electronic “voices from the sky” will help reconstruct the tragedy, reveal hard truths, and shape stronger aviation safety protocols for the future.
