Black Box Data Recovered in Air India Crash That Killed 260; Probe Into Safety Violations Deepens
Investigators recover key flight data as scrutiny intensifies on airline safety norms across India
New Delhi, June 26 – Efforts are in full swing to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to the devastating Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground, after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed within minutes of departure, marking the worst aviation disaster globally in a decade and raising serious concerns over aviation safety protocols in India.
Black Box Data Successfully Retrieved
According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, both black boxes — the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) — have now been recovered and are being analysed.
- The CVR was recovered from a rooftop near the crash site on June 13
- The FDR was located amid aircraft debris on June 16
- Both were brought to New Delhi on June 25 for forensic extraction
The data extraction is being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which confirmed that the Crash Protection Module (CPM) — the central memory unit that stores vital flight data — was intact and successfully accessed.
“The memory module was successfully accessed and its data downloaded. Analysis of CVR and FDR data is currently underway,” the ministry noted in its press release.
The contents of the black boxes are expected to offer vital clues regarding pilot communications, aircraft functionality, and possible technical anomalies in the final moments before the crash.
Regulatory Oversight Under the Scanner
Beyond the technical investigation, the incident has sparked a wider audit of Air India and the broader Indian aviation ecosystem. On June 24, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) disclosed that it had found:
- Multiple instances of recurring technical defects in aircraft at Mumbai and Delhi airports
- Delayed emergency equipment checks on several Air India flights
- Violations in pilot duty scheduling, potentially endangering flight operations
The DGCA had previously issued warnings to Air India, now under renewed scrutiny, for operational lapses that could have contributed to systemic risk.
A source familiar with the review told Reuters that inspections showed recurring defects that went unaddressed or were inadequately resolved, pointing to a breakdown in maintenance and quality control.
Air India Responds
In response to the allegations, Air India said it has complied with all directives from the aviation regulator and is taking steps to strengthen its internal safety checks.
In a statement, the airline noted:
“We are accelerating the verification of our maintenance records and expect to complete the process in the coming days. Safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority.”
Air India, now a part of Tata Group, has been under pressure to improve standards and align with global best practices, particularly after multiple safety-related incidents earlier this year.
Aviation Safety Concerns Mounting Nationwide
The crash and subsequent findings have triggered renewed debate around air safety governance in India, especially as the country witnesses a sharp surge in air traffic post-pandemic.
Experts have warned that a rapid expansion of the aviation sector must be matched with proportional increases in:
- Skilled technical manpower
- Rigorous maintenance protocols
- Continuous oversight from the DGCA
“India’s aviation industry cannot afford to cut corners. Any compromise in maintenance or pilot fatigue can result in catastrophic outcomes,” said Captain A. Sharma, a former airline safety auditor.
What Comes Next in the Crash Investigation?
Investigators from the AAIB are expected to release a preliminary crash report within 30 days, as mandated under international aviation norms.
Meanwhile:
- The Digital Flight Recorder (FDR) data is being matched with air traffic control logs and pilot transcripts
- A forensic audit of maintenance logs is being conducted
- Survivor testimonies and eyewitness accounts are also being collated
With only one survivor, the probe will rely heavily on recovered data and ground evidence.
Why This Matters
The Air India crash has become a watershed moment for Indian aviation. As one of the fastest-growing air travel markets globally, India faces increasing pressure to ensure that growth is not achieved at the expense of safety.
Key takeaways:
- Systemic maintenance flaws must be addressed industry-wide
- Pilot fatigue management and scheduling require urgent reform
- Regulatory bodies need greater autonomy and resourcing
With global scrutiny and passenger confidence at stake, the outcome of this investigation could define the future of Indian aviation regulation.