Multiple agencies are conducting investigations into the Air India crash in which at least 270 people, including 241 passengers and crew members, are reported to have died
The Cockpit Voice Recorder or CVR, one of the two “black boxes” of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, has been found.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder, also known as the CVR, records radio transmissions and sounds in the cockpit such as the pilot’s voices and engine noises, which serve as crucial evidence in the event of an aeroplane suffering a crash.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had earlier confirmed that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the ill-fated plane was also found.
“The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) launched a detailed investigation, and the NTSB is conducting a parallel probe under international protocols since the aircraft is American-made. Officials confirmed that the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were located and secured,” an official release said.
Meanwhile, a team from Boeing arrived at the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to launch their own independent probe.
The investigation into the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad continues to unfold, with several key developments:
Investigation Progress
- Black Boxes Recovered: Both the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder have been recovered. These devices are crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash.
- International Collaboration: Teams from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and GE Aerospace have arrived in Ahmedabad to assist Indian authorities in the investigation.
Preliminary Findings
- Engine Thrust Issues: Initial evidence suggests a possible loss of engine power during takeoff. The aircraft reportedly failed to generate sufficient thrust, barely climbing beyond 450 feet before crashing.
- Landing Gear and Flaps: Video footage indicates that the landing gear remained extended throughout the brief flight, and there may have been issues with flap deployment, both of which could have contributed to the crash.
- Landing Gear and Flaps: Video footage indicates that the landing gear remained extended throughout the brief flight, and there may have been issues with flap deployment, both of which could have contributed to the crash.
- Mayday Call: The pilots issued a “mayday” call shortly after takeoff, reporting inadequate thrust.
Aircraft and Flight Details
- Flight Information: Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 people on board.
- Crash Site: The aircraft crashed into the B.J. Medical College hostel shortly after takeoff, resulting in a massive fireball and significant casualties on the ground.
Victim Identification and Support
- Casualties: At least 270 people have been confirmed dead, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground.
- DNA Identification: Due to the severe condition of the remains, authorities are relying on DNA profiling for identification. As of now, 32 victims have been identified, with 14 bodies returned to their families.
- Government Response: Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra, visited the crash site and met with victims’ families, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation and support for those affected.
Regulatory Actions
- Fleet Inspections: India’s aviation regulator has mandated inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Indian carriers, focusing on engine thrust parameters, flap systems, and landing gear mechanisms.
- Maintenance Checks: Air India has been instructed to conduct additional maintenance actions on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines, including one-time checks of take-off parameters before each flight.
Investigators are analyzing data from the recovered black boxes to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary findings are expected within the next few weeks, with a comprehensive report to follow.
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