Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why the Black Box Is Critical to the Investigation
The black box from the Ahmedabad plane crash holds vital flight data and cockpit audio, crucial for uncovering the cause of the tragic Air India disaster.
A devastating crash of Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport has left all 242 people on board feared dead. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, crashed near Meghani Nagar just moments after lifting off, triggering urgent rescue efforts and a high-stakes investigation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call soon after departing Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST but could only reach about 625 feet before crashing into a fiery blast. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar were at the helm during the tragic flight carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members.
The Vital Role of the Black Box in Crash Investigations
With rescue operations still ongoing, investigators are focusing on recovering the plane’s black box — a critical tool that could unlock the mystery behind the crash. The black box, which actually consists of two bright orange recorders, stores detailed flight data and cockpit audio essential for piecing together what went wrong.
This device can reveal whether the disaster was caused by mechanical failure, engine issues, a bird strike, onboard fire, or pilot error. It captures the precise moments before the crash, including the MAYDAY distress call, system warnings, engine performance, and the crew’s emergency procedures.
What Information the Black Box Holds
The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) logs thousands of technical parameters such as altitude, speed, engine thrust, and control inputs. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) records all cockpit sounds — from pilot conversations and radio transmissions to warning alarms — providing crucial insight into the crew’s actions and challenges during the final minutes.
Once retrieved, these recorders are sent to specialized laboratories under DGCA or the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for detailed analysis. Experts extract and synchronize the data with radar and air traffic control records to reconstruct the crash timeline. While full investigations may take weeks, preliminary findings typically guide immediate safety assessments within 24 hours.
Why Black Boxes Are Indispensable
Despite their name, black boxes are bright orange and built to withstand extreme impacts, fire, and water pressure, ensuring critical data survives even catastrophic crashes. Every commercial aircraft carries two such devices, which continuously record about 25 hours of flight information — sometimes revealing issues that developed over multiple flights.
Flight recorders provide an unbiased, minute-by-minute account of the events leading up to a crash, often becoming the only reliable evidence when there are no survivors or when other physical clues are destroyed. Globally, black box data has been instrumental in solving major air disasters — from the Germanwings crash in 2015 to various Malaysia Airlines investigations.
In India, the 2020 Kozhikode crash probe similarly depended on black box information to clarify pilot decisions and runway conditions. Beyond pinpointing immediate causes, insights from these devices have led to significant advancements in aviation safety, pilot training, and aircraft design.
Moving Forward
As search teams continue combing the crash site for the black boxes, these vital devices hold the key to understanding how 242 lives were endangered and preventing such tragedies in the future.
