Air India Crash: Black Box Data Downloaded, Probe Gains Momentum

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the tragic Air India AI-171 crash, officials have successfully retrieved and downloaded critical data from the aircraft's black boxes, the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed on Thursday. The data recovery is a key step toward unraveling the chain of events that led to the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashing just 36 seconds after take-off on June 12, killing 241 people onboard and 34 on the ground.

The two black boxes—namely, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—were initially feared to be too damaged to yield usable information. However, experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have managed to extract the memory modules, including the Crash Protection Module (CPM), from both devices and successfully download the data.

The CVR and FDR were found at two different locations: one atop the rooftop of a hostel where the aircraft crashed, and the other amid the wreckage. They were transported under high security to the AAIB’s forensic laboratory in Delhi on Tuesday. The first arrived at 2:00 PM and the second at 5:15 PM. Extraction work began that same evening and concluded by Wednesday.

According to the Ministry, analysis is currently underway. The FDR will provide detailed technical metrics such as altitude, speed, control surface inputs, and engine data, while the CVR is expected to offer insights into the cockpit environment, including crew discussions, alarms, and ambient sounds.

“This data is crucial in reconstructing the timeline of the accident and identifying contributing factors,” the Ministry stated. “The findings will be instrumental in enhancing flight safety measures going forward.”

Key Questions the Black Boxes May Answer

Among the many questions surrounding the crash, investigators are focusing on what precisely transpired during those final 36 seconds. Particular attention is on Captain Anshul Sabharwal’s distress call. Early reports suggest that shortly before impact, the captain may have radioed a "Mayday" message to Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control, possibly indicating a sudden loss of power or engine thrust. The CVR will now confirm whether those chilling final words—"no power… no thrust"—were indeed spoken.

Investigators are also trying to determine the exact second the distress signal was transmitted. Establishing this timeline will offer deeper insight into how much time the flight crew had to respond and whether they attempted any emergency protocols.

The sole survivor of the crash—a British-Indian national seated in 11A—has reportedly told officials that the aircraft made unusual noises shortly after take-off, further underscoring the urgency of understanding mechanical or electronic failures.

Was It a Dual Engine Failure?

Although the exact cause remains officially undetermined, one prevailing theory under review is a catastrophic engine failure—or even a broader hydraulic or electrical system failure. Video footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) may have deployed, a last-resort emergency system activated only when both engines fail or when power is lost entirely.

Air India previously stated that the aircraft had undergone routine checks and was airworthy. Notably, the right engine was replaced four months prior to the crash, and the left engine underwent inspection as recently as April. Whether these maintenance efforts were adequate will now come under intense scrutiny.

Safety Under the Scanner

As the nation reels from the gravity of the disaster, a parliamentary panel is preparing to hold a crucial session next week focused on safety in India’s civil aviation sector. The committee has summoned representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India, and Boeing, as well as senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The agenda includes discussions on maintenance standards, regulatory oversight, and the growing number of aviation incidents, including frequent helicopter accidents.

Sources have raised red flags over “systemic shortcomings” in aircraft upkeep and safety compliance across airlines. The committee is expected to grill stakeholders on the frequency and quality of maintenance checks and the accountability mechanisms in place.

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