AHMEDABAD- The black box of Air India (AI) flight AI 171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad (AMD), is now being investigated by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). In response to concerns, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed to suspend operations of the Boeing fleet operated by Air India until a thorough safety audit can be completed.
The unfortunate incident involving the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner occurred on the route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (LGW), resulting in the loss of 271 lives. This has led to heightened scrutiny and urgent safety evaluations.
On June 12, 2025, Air India (AI) flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (AMD). The unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew, as well as 29 individuals on the ground.
The black box, which includes the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), was successfully retrieved on June 13 and 16, respectively.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the black box remains in Indian jurisdiction while investigations by the AAIB are ongoing, dismissing earlier reports that suggested it may be sent to the United States for further examination.
The AAIB, in collaboration with local authorities and international teams from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, is diligently analyzing the black box to determine the cause of the crash—a disaster now regarded as one of the worst in recent aviation history.
Deciphering data from the DFDR and CVR will yield crucial insights into the last 32 seconds of flight, including vital pilot communication and aircraft operational data.
Naidu stated that the determination of where to decode the black box will depend on a comprehensive evaluation encompassing technical, safety, and security factors.
Black Box Under Domestic Review
The black box, also known as the flight data and cockpit voice recorder, is currently being examined in India as part of the AAIB’s investigation into the AI171 disaster.
This incident is considered one of the gravest aviation catastrophes in over a decade, occurring shortly after the aircraft’s takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD).
Minister Naidu mentioned that there are no current plans to send the black box abroad; however, the option remains open pending a careful assessment of relevant safety and technical considerations. His statements addressed public anxieties following initial media reports about potential US involvement in the investigation.
Moreover, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy affirmed that her agency is in regular communication with Indian officials but refrained from commenting on whether the black boxes would ultimately be analyzed in the United States. She highlighted the importance of promptly accessing flight data to investigate any safety issues that may have contributed to the crash.
Legal Push for Grounding Boeing Aircraft
In the wake of the crash, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been officially lodged with the Supreme Court of India, seeking the temporary grounding of all Boeing aircraft operated by Air India (AI).
The petition contends that without a comprehensive safety audit, the operation of these aircraft poses a significant risk to public safety.
Filed by Advocate Ajay Bansal, the petition draws upon the crash and Bansal’s own experience while traveling on AI127 from Delhi (DEL) to Chicago (ORD) on May 20, during which he observed serious technical failures such as malfunctioning business class seats, an inoperative entertainment system, and air conditioning issues.
The plea urges the court to enforce strict compliance and ensure passenger safety through rigorous inspections of Air India’s Boeing fleet.
Ongoing Investigations
As the AAIB continues its investigation into the crash, it maintains coordination with global aviation safety organizations. Although Indian authorities are leading the inquiry, any further complex analysis requiring specialized tools may involve international partners like the NTSB.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has yet to announce a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion or for a decision regarding the possible international decoding of the black box. However, transparency and safety considerations will guide every part of this process.
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Bhavya Velani is the Founder of Aviation A2Z. He began Aviation A2Z as a YouTube channel and has since created unique and engaging content aimed at aviation professionals. Fluent in the field, Bhavya has a passion for writing aviation blogs and producing captivating content. Founded in 2018, Aviation A2Z has expanded rapidly, now attracting 1 Million monthly visitors. Bhavya also contributes to Airways Magazine, AIRLIVE, AeroXplorer, Travel Radar, and various other global publications.
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
