Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Black Box Recovered, Cause Sought \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Indian authorities have recovered the black box from the Air India Boeing 787 that crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 onboard and five on the ground. Investigators are now analyzing flight data and cockpit voice recordings to determine engine performance, control settings, and crew actions. Regulators have also mandated fleet-wide inspections for Air India’s Dreamliners with GEnx engines.
Quick Looks
- Black Box Recovered: Flight data recorder found on a rooftop near the crash site, allowing detailed analysis of engine and cockpit performance.
- Preliminary Cause Focus: Investigators examining engine power, wing flaps, and weight/temperature calculations to pinpoint potential failures.
- Regulatory Response: Mandated inspections of Air India Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners equipped with GE GEnx engines.
- Survivor’s Account: Lone survivor describes a stall-like climb, dark cockpit, and struggle to escape from a crashed fuselage.
- Wider Repercussions: Bomb threat on an Air India flight in Thailand adds security concerns to aviation challenges.
Deep Look
Late Friday, Indian teams successfully retrieved the flight data recorder—commonly known as the “black box”—from the crash site of the Air India Boeing 787. The aircraft tragically went down Thursday after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 individuals onboard along with at least five people on the ground. The digital recorder, discovered on a nearby rooftop, represents a vital clue for investigators aiming to uncover the crash’s root causes. According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, analysis efforts have begun “with full force,” signaling swift progress into determining what happened.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed the recovery as a key development on social media, adding that the black box’s recovery is a significant breakthrough in ongoing investigations.
What the Black Box Could Reveal
The recorder holds invaluable flight data, including engine performance, hydraulics, control surfaces, and cockpit voice communications. Paul Fromme of the U.K.’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers noted that this information should quickly clarify whether there was a loss of engine thrust or lift shortly after takeoff. “This should show quickly if there was a loss of engine power or lift after takeoff and allow a preliminary determination of the likely cause for the crash,” Fromme said.
Potential Causes Under Investigation
Experts are scrutinizing several key factors:
- Wing flap settings – Were they correctly deployed for takeoff?
- Engine issues – Was there a sudden thrust loss?
- Cockpit alerts – Did alarms or warning lights activate?
- Pilot data input – Was the aircraft’s weight, balance, and takeoff settings accurately programmed?
Errors here could lead to incorrect flap settings or insufficient lift.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, formerly of the U.S. NTSB and FAA, believes preliminary answers could emerge next week if the data is intact. “Some basic factual questions will be able to be answered in quick order,” he noted.
Regulatory Measures and Fleet Inspections
India’s civil aviation regulator has ordered immediate inspections on all Air India Boeing 787‑8 and 787‑9 Dreamliners with GE GEnx engines. These checkups include evaluations of fuel systems, cabin air compressors, engine control systems, hydraulics, and airline takeoff procedures—designed to detect any systemic risk.
Survivor and Human Impact
Lone survivor Viswashkumar Ramesh recounted the terrifying moments post-takeoff: a sudden stall, cockpit blackout, and futile attempts to regain altitude. He managed to escape through a broken cabin door, unbuckling himself and fleeing the fuselage. Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an Ahmedabad hospital, Ramesh expressed shock and gratitude—“When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive.”
Modi personally visited the crash site and extended condolences, acknowledging the immense grief caused by the tragedy. “The void left behind will be felt for years to come,” he posted.
Identification of Victims & Local Response
At Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, DNA samples are being used to identify bodies that were badly burned. Families, including those of medical students killed in the hostel collapse, are wavering between mourning and disbelief. Rescue workers and injured students continue to receive care, with at least four victims in critical condition.
International Cooperation in Investigation
The probe has expanded to include U.S. experts from the FAA, NTSB, Boeing, GE, and Cranfield University’s Graham Braithwaite. Their collective aim is not only to determine cause but also to improve future flight safety. Under strict conditions, independent multinational experts are contributing to the investigations.
Breed of Aircraft & Fleet Background
This Air India flight was operated by a 12‑year‑old Boeing 787 Dreamliner—the first fatal crash in the type’s 16‑year history, out of more than 1,200 in service worldwide. Since Tata Sons acquired Air India in 2022, the airline has modernized its fleet and branding, investing in new aircraft and absorbing regional carriers.
Security Watch: Thailand Bomb Threat Incident
In a separate incident Friday, a bomb threat was discovered midair aboard Air India Flight AI379 departing Phuket for New Delhi. Passengers were evacuated safely, and the aircraft was cleared after a full inspection. No suspect device was found, yet the episode raises concerns about aviation security in the region.
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