Air India plane crash investigators find Boeing 787’s 2nd “black box” as search for cause continues

Investigators in India have made a significant breakthrough in the probe into the tragic crash of Air India flight 171, which claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 passengers on board and dozens more on the ground. The cockpit voice recorder, also known as the second “black box,” has been recovered from the crash site in Ahmedabad, along with the flight data recorder that was found earlier.

The discovery of the cockpit voice recorder is a crucial development in the investigation, as it is expected to provide valuable insights into what led to the fatal crash. This device captures audio from the cockpit, including conversations between the pilots, alarms, and ambient sounds. Moments after the London-bound plane took off from Ahmedabad Airport, a distress call was made by the flight captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, signaling trouble.

The flight data recorder, which records various data from the aircraft’s systems such as altitude, speed, and engine performance, was retrieved a day earlier. These black boxes are designed to withstand crashes and are essential tools for air accident investigators in determining the cause of such disasters.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India is spearheading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from teams from the U.S. and the U.K. Representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been on-site to survey the crash site and provide expertise.

In response to the tragedy, India’s government has established a high-level committee to investigate the crash and recommend any necessary changes to standard operating procedures. The committee held its first meeting to address the incident, which resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people on the ground, including students from a nearby medical college.

As the investigation continues, families of the victims are still awaiting the return of their loved ones’ remains. The crash caused extensive damage to the aircraft, making it challenging for authorities to retrieve and identify bodies. DNA samples are being used to match crash victims’ remains with their families, a process that has been ongoing since the incident.

Authorities have been working diligently to assist the families of the victims, with over 400 family members arriving in Ahmedabad for support. Air India has been instructed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing Dreamliner fleet in the wake of the crash.

The tragic event has left a profound impact on the aviation industry in India, prompting a comprehensive investigation to uncover the causes of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future. The recovery of the cockpit voice recorder marks a significant step forward in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the disaster.