What we know as Air India black box data recovered after fatal crash
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India successfully recovers black box data after deadly Ahmedabad Air India crash
India has retrieved crucial data from the black boxes of the Air India jet that crashed in Ahmedabad. Data extraction from both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder has commenced. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, claimed 260 lives including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, and at least 19 others on the ground. The black boxes were recovered within days of the crash but were only transported to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in New Delhi on June 24. Investigators hope voice recordings or videos stored on them could offer further insight into the aircraft’s final moments.
Ahmedabad: Indian investigators have successfully retrieved data from the black boxes of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed on June 12, in what is considered one of the worst aviation disasters in the country’s recent history.
The Civil Aviation Ministry announced on Thursday that data extraction from both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder has commenced. “These efforts aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences,” the ministry said in a statement.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, claimed 260 lives including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, and at least 19 others on the ground. The aircraft hit residential accommodation for medical staff, killing four doctors and injuring at least 24.
The black boxes were recovered within days of the crash but were only transported to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in New Delhi on June 24.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify victims are continuing. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that 260 deaths had been identified through DNA and police verification. One body remains unidentified.
Forensic dentist Dr Jayasankar P. Pillai said the intense heat of the crash, which turned the jet into a fireball, did not prevent identification. “A protected molar tooth can withstand temperatures over 1,800°F (980°C),” he explained.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that over 100 mobile phones had been recovered from the wreckage. Investigators hope voice recordings or videos stored on them could offer further insight into the aircraft’s final moments.
Families of victims continue to demand answers. “All we know is the plane took off and then fell. How? Why? Nobody knows. And we want to know. We deserve to know,” said Imtiyaz Ali, who lost his brother, sister-in-law and their two children.
Air India stated last week that the aircraft was “well-maintained” and the pilots were experienced.
At an undisclosed location, investigators are reconstructing parts of the aircraft to detect any signs of technical malfunction or structural failure.
Back at the crash-hit site, medical staff and survivors are slowly returning to daily life. A canteen destroyed by the impact was reopened symbolically this week. “Despite everything, we are moving forward,” said medical intern Smit Patel.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Further updates from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are expected in the coming weeks.
(With AFP inputs)
Black box of crashed Air India plane still in India, being examined: Minister
The black box of the Air India flight that crashed in Gujarat is still in India. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that it is being probed by the Aircraft Accidents Investigations Bureau. Reports claimed that India was likely to send the black box to the United States for data recovery as the recorder sustained heavy external damage due to the fire following the deadly crash. However, Director General of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, GVG Yugandhar, later clarified in an emailed message to news agency Reuters that the report was “factually incorrect” The ill-fated flight carrying 242 passengers of various nationalities crashed on a hostel of medical students near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel International Airport on June 12.
This came after reports claimed that India was likely to send the black box to the United States for data recovery as the recorder sustained heavy external damage due to the fire following the deadly crash.
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However, Director General of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, GVG Yugandhar, later clarified in an emailed message to news agency Reuters that the report was “factually incorrect”, without giving further details.
The ill-fated flight carrying 242 passengers of various nationalities crashed on a hostel of medical students near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel International Airport on June 12. While one passenger survived, the death toll in the incident reached 274.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when the tragedy occurred. This was the first fatal accident involving a 787 since the model entered commercial service in 2011.
Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered a one-time safety check of all Dreamliner aircraft in Air India’s fleet. So far, inspections have been completed on nine of the airline’s 33 Boeing 787s, with checks on the remaining aircraft ongoing.
WHY BLACK BOX IS IMPORTANT
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On June 12, the Air India flight crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building in Ahmedabad within seconds of take-off. The tragic incident left 274 people, including 241 passengers and crew on board and over two dozen others on the ground, dead.
Such was the intensity that the temperature in and around the crash site reached about 1,000 degrees Celsius. This probably explains why the black box, despite being designed to survive extreme conditions, suffered such extensive damage.
The AAIB, which has been given three months to complete the probe, recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) as well as the flight data recorder (FDR) two days after the crash.
The CVR, which captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations, and FDR collectively form what is known as the “black box”.
Decoding the black box is significant as it would provide an in-depth insight into what led to the crash and the moments before the tragedy itself.
While the exact reason behind the crash will only be known after decoding the black box, an aviation expert has suggested dual engine failure as a possible cause.
Former US Navy pilot Captain Steve Scheibner, in an interview with India Today, suggested that the deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) shortly after takeoff pointed to a dual engine failure.
– Ends
Published By: Sahil Sinha Published On: Jun 24, 2025
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What we know as Air India black box data recovered after fatal crash
Indian authorities are working to reconstruct the events that led to the plane crashing outside Ahmedabad airport on 12 June. All but one of the 242 people on board were killed, while another 19 people were killed on the ground. The black boxes of the plane – the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) – were recovered in the days that followed. One was tracked to the rooftop of a building at the crash site on 13 June, and the other from the debris on 16 June. They were transported to Delhi on Tuesday, where a team led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau began extracting their data. It comes after India said last week that it was yet to decide where the black boxes would be analysed. Data from the black box will help investigators determine the cause of the crash, as mystery still surrounds exactly how it happened. If Boeing Dreamliner’s emergency power generator was active, it suggests that engine failure at takeoff could be a potential cause.
India’s authorities have recovered the first data from the two black boxes on the fatal Air India crash. (Getty)
The first data from the two black boxes of the fatal Air India crash earlier this month has been recovered.
Flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport. CCTV footage from the airport showed the plane taking off from the runway and then suddenly lowering back towards the ground before crashing and exploding into flames.
All but one of the 242 people on board were killed, while another 19 people were killed on the ground.
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The black boxes of the plane – the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) – were recovered in the days that followed. One was tracked to the rooftop of a building at the crash site on 13 June, and the other from the debris on 16 June.
They were transported to Delhi on Tuesday, where a team led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau began extracting their data, the ministry said in a statement.
Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the Air India crash. (Getty)
The crash protection module from the front black box has been retrieved, with its memory module accessed and data downloaded, the ministry said.
They added in a statement: ”The analysis of CVR and FDR data is underway.”
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It comes after India said last week that it was yet to decide where the black boxes would be analysed.
Data from the black box will help investigators determine the cause of the crash, as mystery still surrounds exactly how it happened.
Earlier this month, a report in the Wall Street Journal suggested that the Boeing Dreamliner’s emergency power generator, known as the ram air turbine (RAT), was operating when the plane crashed, suggesting engine failure may have been to blame.
What caused the Air India crash?
With the investigation into the Air India crash ongoing, data recovery from the black boxes will help determine the cause.
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So far, several theories have been floated, though without confirmation or hard evidence, these remain theories for now.
One theory points to a failure in the wing flaps, which may not have been extended properly, reducing lift during takeoff in the 40C heat that demands higher flap settings.
Fuel contamination is also being considered, as it could have disrupted engine performance.
A police officer stands in front of the wreckage of the crashed Air India aircraft. (Reuters)
If Boeing Dreamliner’s emergency power generator was active, it suggests that engine failure at takeoff could be a potential cause of the plane crashing to the ground.
The system generates electricity and hydraulic pressure to ensure pilots can control the plane even if both engines fail.
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Other theories include sabotage and pilot error involving the retraction of flaps instead of landing gear, as the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) indicates a systemic failure rather than human error.
A possible double engine failure, potentially triggered by a bird strike, has also been suggested, given Ahmedabad airport’s history of 462 bird strike incidents over five years. However, no birds are visible in any of the footage of the crash.
What is a black box and how does it work?
A black box, commonly referred to in aviation, is a pair of critical flight data recording devices installed on aircraft.
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These include the flight data recorder (FDR), which continuously logs hundreds of flight parameters, such as airspeed, heading, and control inputs, onto memory boards.
Meanwhile, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captures audio from cockpit microphones, including pilot communications and background noises, typically on a two-hour loop.
Both devices are powered by the aircraft’s electrical system but have backup batteries for reliability.
The black box in an aircraft, like the one pictured on a plane in the Netherlands, helps investigators determine the cause of a crash in the even of one taking place. (Getty)
Despite the name, black boxes are painted bright orange to aid recovery after accidents.
Housed in crash-resistant casings made of materials like titanium, they can endure extreme temperatures and pressures.
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Typically located in the aircraft’s tail, they are designed to preserve data for accident investigations and are essential for understanding the causes of aviation incidents.
Each black box emits an ultrasonic signal via a locator beacon to aid recovery in water or debris.
Data extracted from these devices is then analysed by investigators to reconstruct events leading to an accident.
Air India’s Black Box Data Recovered: Key Insights from Fatal Crash Unveiled!
Data from the black boxes of the Air India crash has been recovered, aiding investigations into the cause of the tragedy that killed 261 people. This tragic incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, resulted in the loss of 241 lives. Initial reports suggest potential engine failure or mechanical issues, with ongoing analysis aimed at uncovering the truth behind this catastrophic event. The recovery of black box data is vital for understanding the tragedy’s causes and preventing future aviation disasters.
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The recent Air India crash has captured global attention as investigators recover data from the black boxes. This tragic incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, resulted in the loss of 241 lives, with only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew.
6 Key Takeaways Black boxes recovered from Air India crash.
Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off.
Investigators analyzing cockpit voice and flight data.
Theories include engine failure and flap issues.
Black boxes aid in determining crash causes.
Emergency power generator was operational during crash.
On June 26, 2025, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) were retrieved, providing crucial insights into the events leading up to the disaster. Initial reports suggest potential engine failure or mechanical issues, with ongoing analysis aimed at uncovering the truth behind this catastrophic event.
Fast Answer: The recovery of black box data from the Air India crash is vital for understanding the tragedy’s causes and preventing future aviation disasters.
As investigators sift through the black box data, one pressing question arises: what factors contributed to this devastating crash? The analysis may reveal critical insights, such as:
Potential mechanical failure during takeoff.
Possible pilot error or miscommunication.
Environmental conditions affecting aircraft performance.
Historical data on bird strikes at Ahmedabad Airport.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in aviation safety, highlighting the need for rigorous investigations to enhance global air travel security.
As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative for aviation authorities worldwide to learn from this tragedy, ensuring that safety measures are strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Air India: How the Boeing Dreamliner crash investigation is unfolding
Investigators now face the grim task of sifting through the wreckage and decoding the cockpit voice and flight data recorders of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The London Gatwick-bound aircraft lifted off from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) on Thursday. Within moments, a mayday call crackled from the cockpit. This was followed by a loss of altitude and a crash engulfed in flames. What could have caused Air India plane to crash in 30 seconds? Captain Kishore Chinta, a former investigator with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), calls this “the rarest of the rare” crashes. “To my knowledge, nothing quite like this has ever happened,” he told the BBC. “If the engines weren’t producing power, investigators have a serious case on their hands – and the focus will shift sharply to the cockpit,” says Peter Goelz, former managing director of US’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
18 June 2025 Share Save Soutik Biswas • @soutikBBC India correspondent Share Save
Reuters The Air India Boeing 787, that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, seen here over Melbourne in December
Less than 40 seconds. That’s how long Air India Flight 171 was airborne before it plunged into a densely populated neighbourhood in Ahmedabad in one of India’s most baffling aviation disasters in recent memory. Investigators now face the grim task of sifting through the wreckage and decoding the cockpit voice and flight data recorders of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to piece together what went catastrophically wrong in the seconds after take-off. Under international rules set by the UN aviation body ICAO, a preliminary investigation report should be released within 30 days, with the final report ideally completed within 12 months. The London Gatwick-bound aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, lifted off from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) on Thursday, with 242 people and nearly 100 tonnes of fuel on board. Within moments, a mayday call crackled from the cockpit. It would be the last transmission. This was followed by a loss of altitude and a crash engulfed in flames. What could have caused Air India plane to crash in 30 seconds? Captain Kishore Chinta, a former investigator with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), calls this “the rarest of the rare” crashes – a controlled flight into terrain just 30 seconds after take-off. “To my knowledge, nothing quite like this has ever happened,” he told the BBC. Did both engines fail due to bird strikes or fuel contamination? Were the flaps improperly extended, reducing lift on a heavily loaded jet in extreme heat? Was there a maintenance error during engine servicing? Or did an inadvertent crew action cut off fuel to both engines?
Reuters Indian Army engineers prepare to remove wreckage of the Air India flight in Ahmedabad
Investigators will be probing all these possibilities – and more. Air crash investigations rely on triangulation and elimination – matching physical evidence from the wreckage with recorded aircraft performance data to build a coherent picture of what went wrong. Every scorched cable, damaged turbine blade, aeroplane maintenance log, and signals and sounds from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders – the so-called “black box” – will be examined. The BBC spoke to accident experts to understand how the investigation will proceed.
Critically, the first clues on the ground may come from the wreckage of the two engines, at least three investigators said. “You can tell from the damage whether the engines were generating power at impact – turbines fracture differently when spinning at high speed,” says Peter Goelz, a former managing director of US’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). “That’s the first clue to what went wrong.” Turbines are crucial rotating components that play a key role in extracting energy to generate thrust. “If the engines weren’t producing power, investigators have a serious case on their hands – and the focus will shift sharply to the cockpit.” What happened in the cockpit will be revealed by the Boeing 787’s Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs) – or the “black boxes” – which, investigators say, will help tell the story. (Indian officials say the recorders have been recovered from the crash site.) These devices capture extensive flight data and cockpit audio – from pilot radio calls to ambient cockpit sounds. Voice recordings come from individual pilot mics, radio transmissions and an area microphone that picks up background noise in the cockpit. Data recorders track with high precision the position of gear and flap levers, thrust settings, engine performance, fuel flow and even fire handle activation.
Reuters The Boeing 787 slammed into a hostel for medical students outside the airport in Ahmedabad
“If the flight data recorder shows the engines were making full power, then the attention will move to the flaps and slats. If they are found to be extended as needed, then it becomes a very difficult investigation,” says Mr Goelz. Flaps and slats increase lift at lower speeds, helping an aircraft take off and land safely by allowing it to fly slower without stalling. “If [the trail leads] to a problem in the flight management control system, that would raise serious concerns – not just for Boeing, but for the entire aviation industry.” The Boeing 787’s flight management control system is a highly automated suite that manages navigation, performance and guidance. It integrates data from a number of sensors to optimise the aircraft’s flight path and fuel efficiency. With over 1,100 Boeing 787s flying worldwide since 2011, investigators must determine whether this was a systemic issue that could affect the global fleet – or a one-off failure unique to this flight, experts say. “If it points to a system problem, then the regulatory bodies have to make some tough decisions very quickly,” says Mr Goelz. So far, there is no indication of fault on anyone’s part. India’s civil aviation ministry said on Tuesday that a recent inspection of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet – 24 of 33 aircraft have been checked so far – “did not reveal any major safety concern,” adding that the planes and maintenance systems complied with existing standards. Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said on 12 June: “Boeing will defer to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for information on Air India Flight 171, in line with UN ICAO protocol.” Decoding of the data at the AAIB lab in Delhi will be led by Indian investigators, with experts from Boeing, engine-maker GE, Air India and Indian regulators. Investigators from the NTSB and UK will also be participating. “In my experience, teams can usually determine what happened fairly quickly,” Mr Goelz says. “But understanding why it happened can take much longer.” The wreckage may yield other clues. “Every part – wire, nut, bolt – will be meticulously collected,” says Mr Chinta. Typically, wreckage is moved to a nearby hangar or secure facility, laid out to identify the nose, tail and wingtips, and then pieced together. In this case, depending on what the flight data and voice recorders reveal, a full reconstruction may not be necessary, investigators say. The importance of wreckage varies by accident, say investigators. For Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, shot down over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, it was crucial – reconstruction of the nose revealed clear shrapnel damage from a Russia-made missile.
Bloomberg via Getty Images The landing gear of Air India 171 at the site of the crash in Ahmedabad