Black Box Analysis Begins in Air India Dreamliner Crash as Probe Widens

India has started reviewing data from the flight recorders of the Air India Boeing 787 that crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12. The tragic episode killed at least 270 people. This crash is one of the worst aviation tragedies in India’s recent history.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with help from U.S. experts at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is leading the investigation. 

Image Source: Breaking Aviation on X

The two black boxes — one recording flight data and the other cockpit conversations — were recovered from the wreckage a few days after the incident. 

They were brought to New Delhi under tight security for analysis.

The passenger plane was headed from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed into a neighborhood just minutes after takeoff. 

Officials confirmed that 241 people on the plane and at least 29 people on the ground died. Only one person survived.

Authorities say the black box data is key to understanding what happened. 

It will help recreate the final moments of the flight and provide clues about any technical faults or pilot actions that may have led to the crash. 

The full investigation could take several weeks or longer.

A special team, led by AAIB Chief GVG Yugandhar, includes air safety officials, air traffic experts, and aviation professionals from India and abroad. 

The Indian government has also formed a separate committee to review what caused the crash and suggest ways to improve emergency response and flight safety. 

This group is expected to submit an early report within three months.

India had recently set up a new lab in New Delhi to help recover data from damaged black boxes. It is now being used for the current analysis.

After the crash, India ordered safety inspections of all 33 Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. So far, 26 planes have been checked, and others are expected to finish inspections soon.