AHMEDABAD- The black box of Air India (AI) flight AI 171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad (AMD), is currently being examined by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed calling for the grounding of Air India’s Boeing fleet until a complete safety audit is conducted.
The crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on the route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (LGW) resulted in the loss of 271 lives and has raised significant safety concerns that demand immediate attention.
On June 12, 2025, Air India (AI) flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (AMD), resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew, along with 29 individuals on the ground.
The black box components, including the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), were retrieved on June 13 and 16, respectively.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu has confirmed that the black box is being analyzed in India by the AAIB and dismissed earlier reports that suggested it would be transported to the United States for further investigation.
The AAIB, in cooperation with local authorities and international experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), is currently scrutinizing the black box for clues to the accident, which is being referred to as the worst aviation disaster worldwide in a decade.
Analysis of the DFDR and CVR will offer vital information regarding the last crucial moments of the flight, including communication with pilots and performance metrics of the aircraft.
Naidu emphasized that the decision regarding the decoding of the recorders will be a result of a thorough evaluation concerning safety, security, and technical aspects.
Black Box Under Domestic Review
The black box, encompassing both flight data and cockpit voice recorders, is under examination by AAIB as part of a comprehensive investigation into the AI171 calamity.
The event, occurring just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), is being labeled as the most significant global aviation tragedy in over a decade.
Minister Naidu confirmed that there are no immediate plans for the black box to be sent to the United States.
However, he indicated that future decisions regarding such an action may arise following a careful review of safety and technical considerations. His remarks addressed public confusion caused by initial media reports suggesting US involvement in the analysis.
Additionally, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that her agency is in communication with Indian officials but refrained from confirming whether the recorders would be analyzed in the United States.
She highlighted that prompt access to flight data is essential for determining if the crash stemmed from any pre-existing safety issues.
Legal Push for Grounding Boeing Aircraft
In the aftermath of the crash, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been lodged with the Supreme Court of India, requesting a short-term ban on all Boeing aircraft operated by Air India (AI).
The petition argues that until a detailed safety audit is completed, the continuation of operations poses significant risks to public safety.
Filed by Advocate Ajay Bansal, the petition not only alludes to the crash but also recounts personal travel experience aboard AI127 from Delhi (DEL) to Chicago (ORD) on May 20.
Bansal has raised concerns about severe technical malfunctions experienced during the flight, including non-functioning business class seats, disabled in-flight entertainment systems, and climate control issues persisting until reaching cruising altitude, pointing to systemic neglect.
The petition urges the court to ensure robust regulatory compliance by Air India and enforce stringent safety inspections of its Boeing fleet to prioritize passenger welfare.
Ongoing Investigations
The AAIB persists in its examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash, collaborating with global aviation safety organizations. While Indian authorities spearhead the investigation, any additional analysis requiring specialized equipment may involve international partners such as the NTSB.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has yet to provide a timeline for when the investigation will be completed or when a decision regarding the international decoding of the black box will be made. However, officials assure that transparency and commitment to safety will govern every phase of the process.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/25/air-india-787-crash-black-box-probe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=air-india-787-crash-black-box-probe
