Flight Recorder Analysis Brings Hope for Air India Crash Probe Progress

Key Takeaways

• Air India Flight AI-171 crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, with 241 to 275 fatalities.
• AAIB in Delhi completed domestic analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder.
• Investigation led by DG AAIB GVG Yugandhar includes U.S. NTSB, Boeing, and Indian Air Force experts.

The successful recovery and analysis of the Flight Recorder from Air India Flight AI-171, which crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, marks a turning point in India’s approach to aviation accident investigations. For the first time, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi has managed the entire process domestically, signaling a new era of technical capability and transparency. This development comes as families, aviation professionals, and international observers await answers about the cause of the crash, which claimed between 241 and 275 lives.

What Happened: The Crash and Immediate Response

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner, went down near Ahmedabad, India. The crash site was quickly secured by emergency responders, who began searching for survivors and critical evidence. The Flight Recorder—a term that includes both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR)—became the focus of the investigation. These devices, often called “black boxes,” are essential for understanding what happened in the moments leading up to an accident.

• CVR Recovery: The Cockpit Voice Recorder was found on June 13, 2025, on the rooftop of a building near the crash site.
• FDR Recovery: The Flight Data Recorder was located on June 16, 2025, among the aircraft debris.

Both recorders were flown to the AAIB laboratory in Delhi by the Indian Air Force, where experts began the delicate process of extracting and analyzing the data.

How the Flight Recorder Was Analyzed

The Flight Recorder is built to survive extreme conditions, including high temperatures and severe impacts. In this case, the devices endured a post-crash fire with temperatures reaching up to 1,000°C. Despite visible damage, the internal data modules remained intact. To ensure the data was not corrupted, investigators used a “golden chassis”—an identical black box used for testing—to verify the integrity of the recovered information.

Between June 24 and 25, 2025, the AAIB team successfully downloaded and confirmed the data from both the CVR and FDR. This achievement is especially significant because, in the past, India often sent such recorders abroad for analysis. Now, with the right tools and expertise, the AAIB can handle these sensitive tasks at home.

Who Is Leading the Investigation?

The investigation is being led by DG AAIB GVG Yugandhar, who heads a multidisciplinary team. The group includes:

• An aviation medicine specialist
• An air traffic control officer
• Representatives from the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Over 20 experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Technical specialists from Boeing and General Electric

This broad team ensures that the investigation meets international standards and benefits from a wide range of expertise. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such collaboration not only adds credibility but also helps ensure that the findings will be respected worldwide.

Why Domestic Analysis Matters

For the first time, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has kept the Flight Recorder in India for the entire analysis process. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the black box remains in India and is being examined by local experts. This change in policy has several important effects:

• Faster Results: By avoiding the delays of shipping recorders abroad, investigators can reach conclusions more quickly.
• Building Local Expertise: Handling the analysis domestically helps train Indian specialists and strengthens the country’s technical capabilities.
• Greater Transparency: With the process happening in India, there is more public oversight and accountability.

The AAIB’s success in this case sets a new standard for future investigations and shows that India can now manage complex aviation probes independently.

International Cooperation and Calls for Transparency

While the investigation is based in India, it is far from an isolated effort. The U.S. NTSB, Boeing, and General Electric are all actively involved, as required by international rules. Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the U.S. NTSB, has publicly urged the Indian government to release findings quickly to support aviation safety and maintain public trust.

This international cooperation is important for several reasons:

• Compliance with Global Standards: Including experts from the country where the aircraft was built (United States 🇺🇸) and the manufacturer (Boeing) ensures the investigation follows global best practices.
• Credibility: International involvement reassures families, airlines, and regulators that the findings will be objective and thorough.
• Knowledge Sharing: Working together allows for the exchange of technical know-how and helps all parties learn from the incident.

What the Flight Recorder Data Can Reveal

The Flight Recorder holds two types of information:

• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Captures conversations and sounds in the cockpit, including pilot discussions, alarms, and radio calls.
• Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Records technical details such as speed, altitude, engine performance, and control movements.

By analyzing these recordings, investigators can reconstruct the final minutes of the flight. Early expert opinions suggest several possible causes, including:

• Dual Engine Failure: Both engines may have stopped working, possibly due to technical faults or fuel issues.
• Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Deployment: This emergency device provides power if the main engines fail, and its use could indicate a serious problem.
• Wing Flap Problems: Issues with the flaps, especially in extreme heat, could have affected the plane’s ability to land safely.

The investigation team is working to confirm or rule out these theories. Preliminary findings are expected within 7–10 days from June 26, 2025, with a final report likely by late July 2025.

The Human Cost: Casualties and Impact

The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 is a tragedy for hundreds of families. Official reports put the number of fatalities between 241 and 275. For loved ones, the wait for answers is painful, and the need for clear, honest communication is urgent.

Aviation safety experts stress that rapid, transparent investigations are essential not only for the families but also for the flying public. Learning from accidents is the best way to prevent future tragedies.

Step-by-Step: How the Investigation Unfolded

To help readers understand the process, here’s a simple breakdown of the key steps:

1. Crash Occurs: June 12, 2025.
2. Site Secured: Emergency teams arrive and begin searching for survivors and evidence.
3. CVR Found: June 13, 2025, on a nearby rooftop.
4. FDR Found: June 16, 2025, in the debris field.
5. Transport to Delhi: Both recorders are flown to the AAIB lab.
6. Data Modules Checked: Experts confirm the internal parts are undamaged.
7. Data Downloaded: June 24–25, 2025, using a “golden chassis” for verification.
8. Analysis Begins: Multinational team starts reviewing the data.
9. Preliminary Findings: Expected by early July 2025.
10. Final Report: Targeted for late July 2025.

Policy Changes and Future Implications

The handling of the Air India Flight AI-171 investigation could lead to several important changes:

• Stronger Domestic Capability: India’s ability to analyze black box data at home means future investigations can be faster and more efficient.
• Possible Safety Reforms: Depending on what the data reveals, there may be new rules for aircraft maintenance, pilot training, or emergency procedures.
• International Example: Other countries may look to India’s approach as a model for building their own investigation capacity.

The investigation is also likely to influence how airlines, regulators, and manufacturers work together to improve safety.

Background: India’s History with Black Box Analysis

This is the first time a Boeing Dreamliner has crashed in India. In the past, India sent black boxes to other countries—often the United States 🇺🇸—for analysis. This practice sometimes led to delays and concerns about transparency. Now, with the AAIB’s upgraded lab and trained staff, India can manage these critical tasks independently.

The investigation follows international rules, which require the participation of the country where the aircraft was built and the manufacturer. This ensures that all relevant expertise is included and that the findings will be accepted worldwide.

Timeline: Key Dates and Events

• June 12, 2025: Crash occurs near Ahmedabad.
• June 13, 2025: CVR recovered.
• June 16, 2025: FDR recovered.
• June 24–25, 2025: Data downloaded at AAIB lab in Delhi.
• Early July 2025: Preliminary findings expected.
• Late July 2025: Final report anticipated.

Stakeholders: Who Is Affected?

• Families of Victims: Waiting for answers and closure.
• Air India: Facing questions about safety and maintenance.
• Aviation Authorities: Responsible for ensuring future safety.
• International Partners: Watching for lessons that can be applied globally.
• General Public: Concerned about the safety of air travel.

Official Resources and Where to Get More Information

For those seeking updates or official information, the following resources are available:

• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), India: aaib.gov.in
• Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India: civilaviation.gov.in
• U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): ntsb.gov

These sites provide official statements, contact details, and updates on the investigation.

What Happens Next?

The next steps in the investigation are clear:

• Preliminary Findings: The AAIB and its partners will share initial results within 7–10 days from June 26, 2025.
• Final Report: A comprehensive report is expected by late July 2025, much faster than the usual six-month timeline for such cases.
• Possible Recommendations: Depending on the findings, there may be new rules or guidelines to improve aviation safety.

The world will be watching how India handles the release of information and whether the process leads to real improvements in air travel safety.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

• For Families: Stay in touch with official channels for updates and support.
• For Aviation Professionals: Watch for new safety recommendations and training requirements.
• For Travelers: Understand that every accident leads to improvements in safety protocols.
• For Policy Makers: Consider how domestic capability can speed up investigations and build public trust.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Aviation Safety in India

The recovery and analysis of the Flight Recorder from Air India Flight AI-171 is more than just a technical achievement—it is a sign of India’s growing ability to manage complex aviation investigations. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has shown that with the right tools and international cooperation, it can deliver answers quickly and transparently. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach sets a new benchmark for future investigations and could lead to important changes in how air accidents are handled, both in India and around the world.

For more details and official updates, visit the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s official website.

The findings from this investigation will not only help families find closure but also make flying safer for everyone. The world now waits for the final report, hoping it will bring both answers and improvements to global aviation safety.

Learn Today

Flight Recorder → Device that records cockpit voice and technical flight data to aid crash investigations.
Cockpit Voice Recorder → Records pilot conversations and sounds inside the cockpit during flight.
Flight Data Recorder → Captures technical flight parameters such as speed, altitude, and engine performance.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau → Indian government agency responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents.
Ram Air Turbine → Emergency device deployed to generate power if main engines fail.

This Article in a Nutshell

India’s AAIB successfully recovered and analyzed Air India Flight AI-171’s black boxes domestically, marking a milestone in aviation investigation expertise and transparency after the June 2025 crash near Ahmedabad with up to 275 fatalities.
— By VisaVerge.com