AHMEDABAD, INDIA — June 16, 2025:
The black box—officially known as the cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—has been successfully recovered from the wreckage of Air India Flight AI171, marking a major development in the investigation of what is now confirmed as India’s deadliest aviation disaster.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed on June 12, 2025, just moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) en route to London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The crash claimed 279 lives, including 241 onboard fatalities and 38 on the ground, according to official figures released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Timeline of the Crash
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)
Flight: Air India AI171
Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) → London Gatwick (LGW)
Takeoff Time: 13:38 IST
Crash Location: Meghani Nagar area, ~1.5km from runway
Crash Time: ~13:39 IST
Confirmed Facts
Passenger Count: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew)
Survivors: 1 — Vishwash Kumar Ramesh
Casualties on Ground: 38+ dead, 60+ injured
Impact Site: B.J. Medical College hostel
Airline Operator: Air India (Tata Group-owned)
What the Black Box May Reveal
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was found on June 15 by a joint team of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and NDRF personnel. It has been sent for decoding and analysis.
According to aviation investigators, the CVR will provide up to two hours of flight deck audio, including crew discussions, alarm sounds, and final communications with ATC. This data is critical to understanding:
Whether there was a technical malfunction
If landing gear retraction was delayed or failed
The timing and sequence of engine and flap operations
Pilot reaction time and situational awareness
Preliminary Theories
While no official cause has been confirmed, early analysis points to the following possibilities:
Gear retraction failure, increasing drag and preventing proper lift
Possible bird strike, leading to distraction during climb
Absence of any distress call, suggesting an extremely rapid descent
Crew actions under review based on simulator training logs and health records
Aircraft & Fleet Details
Aircraft Age: 11 years (delivered in 2014)
Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Maintenance Status: Last C-check conducted May 2025
Flight AI171/172: Permanently retired from use post-crash
Official Statements
DGCA: “We are awaiting full analysis of the black box to release a conclusive preliminary report.”
Air India: “We are fully cooperating with AAIB, DGCA, and Boeing. Compensation of ₹1 crore per passenger has been initiated.”
AAIB: “Both CVR and flight data recorder (FDR) will be analyzed in coordination with Boeing, FAA, and NTSB.”
International Response
UK Foreign Office has confirmed 53 British nationals among the dead
Portuguese and Canadian embassies involved in coordination of remains
U.S. NTSB and Boeing engineers are participating in technical evaluations
Next Steps
Preliminary Investigation Report: Expected within 3 months
Full Investigation Timeline: 12–24 months
Public Release of Findings: As per ICAO protocols
