Recovered black box data under analysis

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has completed the recovery and begun analysis of data from the black boxes of Air India Flight AI-171, following the tragic crash earlier this month. The investigation is being carried out in accordance with international aviation norms under ICAO Annex 13 and India's Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.

Listen to this article

According to an official update released by the Press Information Bureau, the AAIB constituted a multidisciplinary investigation team on June 13, 2025, immediately after the incident. The team is led by the Director General of AAIB and includes an aviation medicine specialist, an air traffic control officer, and representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as required by international protocol since the aircraft was manufactured and designed in the United States.

Black Box recovery and transport

The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were recovered from the crash site in Ahmedabad—one from a rooftop on June 13 and the second from debris on June 16. Both devices were handled under strict Standard Operating Procedures, with continuous police protection and CCTV surveillance to ensure data integrity.

On June 24, the black boxes were transported from Ahmedabad to Delhi aboard Indian Air Force aircraft. The front black box reached the AAIB laboratory at 2:00 p.m., followed by the rear unit at 5:15 p.m. the same day.

Data extraction underway

Later that evening, the data extraction process began under the supervision of the DG, AAIB. The Crash Protection Module of the front black box was successfully removed, and by June 25, the memory module was accessed and its contents downloaded.

Preliminary analysis of the CVR and FDR is currently ongoing. Investigators are working to reconstruct the final moments of Flight AI-171 to determine the sequence of events and identify contributing factors. The aim is to improve future aviation safety and prevent similar incidents.

Authorities emphasized that all procedures have been followed in a time-bound manner, in full compliance with both Indian regulations and international obligations.

 

Latest

USD50 bln India-Russia trade gap must be addressed: EAM

The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability....

TVS iQube MillionR special edition launched

TVS iQube MillionR Special Edition is priced at Rs...

Goyal pitches for Japanese institutional investments

The discussions hold significance, as India-Japan aims to mobilise...

No longer required to pay State levies: Dalmia Bharat

The Act notified by the Central Government as amended...

Newsletter

Don't miss

USD50 bln India-Russia trade gap must be addressed: EAM

The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability....

TVS iQube MillionR special edition launched

TVS iQube MillionR Special Edition is priced at Rs...

Goyal pitches for Japanese institutional investments

The discussions hold significance, as India-Japan aims to mobilise...

No longer required to pay State levies: Dalmia Bharat

The Act notified by the Central Government as amended...

Grounding of Parandur plan: Will it hurt TN dream?

The proposed second airport project at Parandur was announced...

USD50 bln India-Russia trade gap must be addressed: EAM

The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Even amidst a complex international landscape, our engagement has continued to deepen, reflecting the mutual...

TVS iQube MillionR special edition launched

TVS iQube MillionR Special Edition is priced at Rs 1,40,138 (effective ex-showroom, Karnataka). The TVS iQube portfolio starts at Rs 1,11,310 (effective ex-showroom, Karnataka),...

Goyal pitches for Japanese institutional investments

The discussions hold significance, as India-Japan aims to mobilise 10 trillion yen of Japanese private investment into India over the next decade. Goyal emphasised that...