A major step forward has been made in the investigation into the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people.
Air India black box recovered: Here’s what happens next
The Indian government has confirmed that the flight’s black box was found within 28 hours of the crash.
The black box, which is actually bright orange in colour, is a strong, fireproof device that records important flight information. There are usually two black boxes on each plane.
One stores data such as speed, height, and direction. The other captures sound from inside the cockpit, including conversations between the pilots and any warning alarms or strange noises.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said that recovering the black box is “an important step” in understanding what went wrong.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is now leading the inquiry with help from experts in the United States and the United Kingdom, along with Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer.
What we know so far about the crash
The Air India flight, number AI171, was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time on Thursday, heading for Gatwick Airport in London. Less than one minute after take-off, the plane lost altitude and crashed into a residential area, bursting into flames.
Out of the 242 people on board, only one person survived. He has been identified as British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A. He is currently recovering in hospital. At least eight people on the ground also died in the crash.
Investigators are now closely examining the aircraft’s engine, flaps (which help the plane gain or reduce lift), and landing gear. These parts are believed to be key to understanding what caused the disaster.
Qantas CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that Boeing is working closely with Indian authorities during the investigation. Meanwhile, the Indian aviation regulator has ordered safety checks on all Boeing 787 planes in Air India’s fleet.
Rescue teams are using DNA tests to identify the victims, as many bodies were burned beyond recognition. Six bodies have been identified and handed over to families so far.
Large parts of the plane remain embedded in nearby buildings, with authorities cordoning off the area for ongoing recovery and clean-up operations.
As the investigation continues, families of the victims have called for answers and accountability. Officials say that findings from the black box will be key in determining how this tragedy unfolded.
