Air India confirmed that crucial data from the flight recorders of the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been successfully retrieved as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic incident. The aircraft, which was bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, claiming the lives of at least 270 individuals.
The Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), commonly referred to as "black boxes," were recovered from the crash site on June 13 and June 16, with one found on a rooftop and the other amid wreckage. The federal government is expected to take several weeks before sharing information extracted from the recorders.
The Boeing 787's dual recorder system is designed for detailed examination of flight data and cockpit conversations. These units meticulously log critical parameters such as gear and flap lever positions, thrust settings, engine performance, fuel flow, and activation of fire handles. This vital information is essential for reconstructing the final moments of the flight to ascertain the cause of the tragedy.
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captures a spectrum of communication, including pilot radio exchanges, individual microphone audio, and the ambient sounds in the cockpit, providing an invaluable insight into pre-crash conditions.
A team led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), accessed the data from the recorders this past Wednesday. In a statement, the aviation ministry noted that the analysis of both the CVR and flight data recorder (FDR) is currently underway, aiming to detail the sequence of events leading to the accident and uncover factors contributing to it, thereby enhancing aviation safety and preventing future occurrences.
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the NTSB, expressed hope for a prompt release of information to the public, emphasizing its significance for aviation safety and public awareness. She acknowledged the cooperative efforts between the NTSB and the Indian authorities in addressing this crisis.
Concerns have been raised regarding the unusually lengthy time taken to download and scrutinize data from the flight recorders nearly two weeks post-incident. Air India Flight 171 was airborne for less than 40 seconds before crashing into a densely populated neighborhood in Ahmedabad, marking one of the most perplexing aviation disasters in India's recent history. The London-bound flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, who made a mayday call moments before the crash—its final transmission.
