Saturday, March 29, 2025
Black Box Decoded: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Probe Edges Closer to Truth
Ahmedabad, June 26, 2025 — Investigators are closing in on the cause behind the tragic Air India AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, as black box data has been successfully retrieved and decoded. Experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are now meticulously analyzing the data to understand how the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down just 36 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
The crash, which occurred on June 12, claimed the lives of 234 passengers and 34 others on the ground, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The disaster shocked the nation and prompted a full-scale investigation into what went wrong despite the aircraft being cleared for takeoff after full safety inspections.
The black box, containing the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), was found on the rooftop of the BR Medical College hostel, near the crash site. Emergency personnel and security forces retrieved the device, which was then transferred to AAIB’s Delhi lab for data extraction.
Experts have now begun decoding flight communications, system logs, and cockpit interactions, a critical step toward reconstructing the final moments before the crash. The data holds the key to identifying any technical malfunction, human error, or external factor that may have led to the catastrophic failure.
The ongoing investigation is being spearheaded by the Director General of AAIB, under international aviation standards. The probe team includes technical experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an aviation medical specialist, and an air traffic control (ATC) officer, in compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines.
Officials have emphasized that the probe will be transparent, evidence-driven, and aimed at improving future aviation safety.
Reacting to the incident, the Indian government has confirmed that once the investigation reveals the precise cause, it will immediately strengthen aircraft safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies. A detailed review of pre-flight inspections, communication systems, and emergency preparedness across all major airports is expected to follow.
The crash of AI 171 occurred within just 36 seconds of takeoff, raising serious questions about critical in-air systems and takeoff stability. Despite having passed ground checks and receiving clearance from airport authorities, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a nearby structure shortly after liftoff.
The black box data is expected to provide answers to lingering questions: Was there a mechanical failure? Did human error contribute? Or was a systems malfunction responsible?
As the analysis continues, families of the victims and the public await concrete findings. The AAIB has promised a preliminary report within 30 days, followed by a full technical investigation. The tragedy has reignited debates on aviation oversight, emergency response mechanisms, and the accountability of airline operators.
India, still mourning one of its worst civil aviation disasters, now looks toward justice and reform — led by the silent revelations of a black box found on a rooftop.
