NEW DELHI — Authorities in India have embarked on an investigation into the details recorded within the black boxes of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that fatally crashed around two weeks prior, claiming a minimum of 270 lives. This tragic event is considered one of the most devastating aviation accidents in India’s recent history. The aviation ministry emphasized the importance of this data, as it could provide valuable insights into the cause of the catastrophe.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, with the aid of the U.S. National Transport Safety Board, has initiated an in-depth analysis of the retrieved data. “This investigation aims to piece together the accident’s timeline and uncover contributing factors, enhancing aviation safety and averting similar future disasters,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
The black boxes, which were located in the debris at the crash site in Ahmedabad, are pivotal to the investigation. The residential area struck by the London-bound Air India flight 171 led to a tragic loss of 241 passengers and at least 29 residents. Miraculously, one person survived the harrowing crash.
The devices, often referred to as “black boxes,” are crucial in the aftermath of an aviation disaster. Comprising the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, these components are typically housed in bright orange casings for visibility.
Under stringent security measures, the black boxes were transported from Ahmedabad to New Delhi aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft earlier this week. The inquiry into this disaster might last several weeks or even months.
Earlier this year, a state-of-the-art laboratory was established in New Delhi dedicated to assisting the AAIB in the restoration of damaged black boxes and ensuring precise data retrieval for investigations.
Heading the investigation is GVG Yugandhar from the AAIB, supported by aviation experts, traffic control specialists, and members from the U.S. National Transport Safety Board. In addition to this, the Indian government has established a high-level committee tasked with understanding the causes of the crash and developing effective emergency procedures to manage and potentially prevent future aviation crises. A preliminary report is expected to be produced by this committee within three months.
Following the incident on June 12, Indian authorities have imposed rigorous inspections on Air India’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to avert subsequent mishaps. While 26 aircraft have undergone checks, four are committed to long-term maintenance, with the remainder awaiting immediate inspection to ensure safety standards.