New Delhi: Investigators are analysing black box data to determine the cause behind the tragic crash of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad. This is India’s worst airline disaster in over 40 years, and the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner worldwide.
The black boxes, recovered from the crash site, are now being examined at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) laboratory in Delhi. The investigation is being supported by experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other global agencies.
Modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 carry two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs). Each unit combines the functions of a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and a Flight Data Recorder (FDR). One EAFR was found on a rooftop on June 13, and the second was recovered from debris on June 16.
These devices are crucial for understanding what went wrong. The FDR records up to 2,000 flight parameters—including speed, altitude, heading, engine thrust, and more. The CVR captures the pilots’ voices, cockpit sounds, warnings, and all communication with air traffic control.
Investigators are expected to reconstruct a computer-generated simulation of the flight using the data. This will help them visualise the aircraft’s behaviour, instrument readings, and other vital in-flight details before the crash.
So far, only a few visual clues suggest issues with thrust and lift. There are no clear signs yet about what caused the crash. That makes black box data all the more vital. It will reveal if any system failed, how the pilots reacted, and whether the plane experienced electrical or mechanical problems.
Each EAFR is designed to record for at least 25 hours. The CVR stores the last two hours of cockpit audio. Importantly, at least one EAFR has a 10-minute emergency battery, which might have captured data even if the aircraft had lost all power—a likely scenario, as the crash occurred within a minute of takeoff.
Experts warn that while the black boxes hold key answers, the data analysis takes time. Investigators need to interpret the data carefully. Aircraft accidents are rarely caused by a single issue. Often, a chain of failures happens in quick succession.
The AAIB, with help from global experts, is now working meticulously to understand the full picture. It could take days or even weeks to complete the analysis. Only after that can the exact cause—or causes—of the crash be officially confirmed.
This ongoing investigation is crucial, not just to provide answers to the families of those who lost their lives, but also to ensure future safety in Indian and global aviation.
