Is the Analysis of Black Box Data from the Air India Plane Crash Underway?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investigation of black box data is underway.
- AAIB is leading the investigation.
- Data analysis aims to enhance aviation safety.
- Nearly 270 lives were lost in the crash.
- Findings will influence future aviation protocols.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) - The Centre confirmed on Thursday that the examination of data retrieved from the Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and Flight Data Recorders (FDR) of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner 787, which crashed in Ahmedabad, is currently progressing in strict adherence to regulations.
A statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicated that all measures taken regarding the Black Boxes have been executed in full alignment with both domestic laws and international obligations within a specified timeline.
In the wake of the tragic incident involving Air India Flight AI-171 on June 12, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) promptly commenced an investigation and established a multi-disciplinary team on June 13, adhering to established norms.
This team, formed according to international guidelines, is led by the Director General of AAIB and comprises an aviation medicine expert, an air traffic control officer, and representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the U.S. government agency responsible for such investigations.
The CVR and FDR were retrieved from the crash site, with one located on a rooftop on June 13 and the other from the wreckage on June 16.
“Standard Operating Procedures were issued to ensure their secure handling, storage, and transportation. The devices were placed under continuous police protection and monitored by CCTV in Ahmedabad,” the ministry stated.
On June 24, the black boxes were transported from Ahmedabad to Delhi via IAF aircraft, under tight security.
“The front black box reached the AAIB Lab in Delhi at 1400 hrs on June 24, 2025, escorted by the DG, AAIB. The rear black box arrived later at 1715 hrs on the same day, brought by a second AAIB team,” the ministry reported.
By the evening of June 24, the team, led by the DG AAIB and including technical experts from AAIB and NTSB, initiated the data extraction process.
The Crash Protection Module (CPM) from the front black box was successfully retrieved, and on June 25, the memory module was accessed, allowing data to be downloaded at the AAIB Lab.
“The analysis of CVR and FDR data is ongoing. These efforts are aimed at reconstructing the events leading to the accident and identifying factors that could enhance aviation safety to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the ministry emphasized.
This air crash tragically resulted in the loss of nearly 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew, prompting a comprehensive review of aviation safety protocols nationwide.
During its investigation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) uncovered multiple flaws in domestic airline operations at certain airports, where “reported defects” repeatedly surfaced on aircraft after inspections.