Air India Black Box Sent to US After Crash in Ahmedabad
India will send the black box from the crashed Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the United States for analysis, following extensive fire damage that rendered data extraction impossible using existing domestic infrastructure. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and digital flight data recorder (DFDR)—commonly known as black boxes—sustained heavy damage in the crash.
The decision comes after officials at India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) determined that their lab in New Delhi, established last year, lacks the necessary equipment to recover data from severely damaged units. The black boxes will be transported under strict supervision to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) laboratory in Washington, where forensic experts will attempt chip-level data recovery.
While black boxes are typically located in the aircraft’s rear section—designed to offer better crash survivability—the fire damage was extensive enough to compromise both the memory and circuit boards. An AAIB official, involved in the process, confirmed that memory chip extraction would be required to avoid permanent data loss. The crash has reignited broader discussions about aviation safety and regulatory enforcement in the country.
The investigation will be conducted under the leadership of the AAIB, as per international norms, with participation from the NTSB and the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB-UK), given that 53 British nationals were among the casualties. Indian officials will accompany the devices to ensure full compliance with global aviation investigation protocols.
The black box holds critical clues about the cause of the crash. The DFDR records data such as altitude, airspeed, engine performance, and system warnings, while the CVR captures cockpit audio, including pilot conversations and background alerts. These two components are often the most vital sources of information in determining mechanical or human failure in aviation accidents.
Officials are currently exploring several lines of inquiry, including whether the aircraft’s wing flaps and landing gear were correctly deployed during descent, and whether a fuel contamination or electrical malfunction triggered the engine failure. India’s decision to partner with international agencies reflects both the seriousness of the incident and the importance of timely, accurate conclusions.
