Air India Plane Crash: Investigation Intensifies After Black Box Recovery

Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 – In the wake of India’s deadliest aviation tragedy in over a decade, the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad has entered a crucial phase with the recovery of the aircraft’s black box and cockpit voice recorder. Officials hope the data retrieved will shed light on what caused the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to plummet shortly after takeoff, killing over 240 people.

Black Box Discovery: A Breakthrough in the Probe

The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), together known as the “black boxes,” were located amidst the wreckage early Wednesday morning by search and rescue teams. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), both recorders appear to be intact and in good condition.

“These devices are critical in reconstructing the final moments of the flight,” said DGCA Director Arun Goel. “They will provide insights into engine performance, pilot actions, and possible technical faults.”

What We Know So Far

Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed minutes after takeoff on June 11, striking the BJ Medical College hostel complex and causing additional casualties on the ground. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived the crash, while at least 28 people on the ground also lost their lives.

Initial reports suggest a sudden loss of altitude, possibly due to mechanical failure or loss of thrust, but investigators have not ruled out human error or software malfunctions.

Global Teams Join the Investigation

Given the international components of the aircraft, the DGCA is now being joined by:

• NTSB (U.S.): Since the Boeing 787 is an American-made aircraft.

• BEA (France): Involved due to Thales avionics used on board.

• GE Aerospace: The aircraft was powered by GEnx engines.

• Air India’s internal safety audit team

The black boxes have been flown to a high-security decoding lab in New Delhi, and initial data extraction has begun.

Fleet-Wide Safety Checks Underway

As a precaution, Air India and DGCA have grounded several 787 aircraft for immediate inspection, especially those using the same engine variant. Maintenance logs, flight history, and previous complaints on the aircraft in question are also under review.

National Reaction & Accountability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a comprehensive audit of aviation safety protocols across all Indian carriers. “This is not just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. Every life lost must lead to a lesson learned,” he said.

Air India’s Chairman and MD, Campbell Wilson, has promised full transparency and extended condolences to families of victims, announcing compensation and free legal assistance.

What’s Next?

• Preliminary findings from the black box analysis are expected within 72 hours.

• The final crash report could take months, as structural engineers, pilot training records, and weather data are all assessed.

• Legal experts expect class-action suits and criminal negligence probes to follow, depending on the outcome.

The recovery of black boxes marks a critical step forward in uncovering the causes behind the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171. With international agencies now involved, a clearer picture is expected to emerge in the coming days—one that might redefine aviation safety protocols in India and beyond.