Engine failure or human error? Black boxes under scrutiny in Air India crash

New Delhi: Indian aviation investigators are analysing the black boxes recovered from the wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, resulting in the deaths of at least 270 people. These devices are expected to offer crucial insights into what caused one of the country’s most devastating aviation disasters in decades.

The black boxes, comprising the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), will provide essential information such as the final conversations between the pilots, any emergency alarms triggered, and technical data about the aircraft’s engine and control settings.

Crash details and investigation progress

The London-bound aircraft, identified as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed into the hostel wing of a medical college shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.

Of the 271 people on board, only one passenger survived. An additional 29 individuals were killed on the ground, bringing the total fatalities to 270.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the probe, with support from international experts, including representatives from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Boeing.

Amit Singh, a former pilot and aviation safety specialist, emphasised the importance of the black boxes, calling them “critical” to understanding the sequence of events.

“The data will reveal everything,” Singh said, noting that communication logs with air traffic control and in-cockpit dialogue will help identify any technical or human errors.

Mayday call and investigative procedures

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight crew had issued a mayday call moments before the crash. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings, gathering eyewitness accounts, and studying the pilots’ training records.

Further attention is being given to the aircraft's load capacity, past technical issues, engine thrust performance, and overall airworthiness. Singh added that examining the plane’s maintenance history and any reported anomalies would be central to the investigation.

Global protocols and challenges

Aurobindo Handa, former Director General of the AAIB, stated that the investigation will adhere to the United Nations’ standard aviation investigation manual, known as “DOC 9756”. He cautioned, however, that the aircraft’s charred remains could prolong the process. The condition of the black boxes, especially their ability to withstand the intense heat of the crash, remains under close scrutiny.

Government response and safety measures

In response to the incident, the Indian government has constituted a high-level committee tasked with determining the causes of the crash and recommending enhanced emergency protocols. The committee is expected to submit a preliminary report within three months.

Meanwhile, a full-scale inspection of Air India’s fleet of 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners is underway to rule out similar vulnerabilities. The aircraft involved in the crash was reportedly 12 years old.

Despite multiple safety controversies surrounding other Boeing aircraft models in recent years, the Dreamliner had maintained a clean safety record until this incident.

Aviation analysts note that this is the first fatal crash involving a 787 in the aircraft's 16-year history, during which over 1,200 units have been deployed worldwide.

(AP inputs)