Black Box Recovery Offers Crucial Insight Into Final Moments of AI-171
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Ahmedabad: In a critical breakthrough in the Ahmedabad plane crash investigation, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recovered the black box from the ill-fated Air India Flight AI-171 on Friday—nearly 27 hours after the tragedy. Authorities located the flight recorder on the rooftop of a hostel building near the crash site. Investigators hope the data retrieved will reveal what caused the aircraft to go down shortly after takeoff.
The flight, which was en route to London, carried 242 people, including 12 crew members. Tragically, only one passenger survived the disaster. The black box, which includes the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), is expected to provide answers to the many unanswered questions surrounding the crash.
Mass Casualty Toll as 270 Bodies Recovered from Crash Site
Rescue and forensic teams have recovered 270 bodies so far, according to officials. Out of these, seven have been identified and handed over to the families after DNA confirmation. The victims include 241 people onboard the aircraft and five hostel residents from the B.J. Medical College premises, where the plane crashed. At the time of the incident, over 50 individuals were present inside the hostel building.
The disaster has caused widespread grief, with confirmed fatalities from various states including 13 from Rajasthan, and one each from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar. Identification of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the passengers, remains pending as DNA samples are still being processed.
DNA Sampling and Postmortem Underway Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Over 270 postmortem examinations have been conducted at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, making it one of the largest mass-casualty responses in recent memory. Authorities have also completed DNA sampling for more than 220 victims. As of now, only a small number of bodies have been identified and returned to grieving families.
Due to the severity of the impact and fire, many bodies were severely charred, making visual identification impossible. Forensic experts are relying on DNA comparisons with relatives to complete the identification process.
PM Modi Visits Crash Site and Hospital, Meets Victims’ Families
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad on Friday morning to assess the situation firsthand. He began by inspecting the crash site and later visited the Civil Hospital, where he met with families of the victims and survivors. His brief 10-minute interaction aimed to offer condolences and assure the public of a thorough investigation.
The Prime Minister has ordered central assistance for all affected families and has directed relevant ministries to cooperate fully with investigating agencies.
Multi-Agency Investigation Launched, International Teams Join Probe
In an unprecedented move, seven major national and international agencies have joined the investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash. The agencies involved include:
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Gujarat Police
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (UK-AAIB)
- United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Their combined expertise will help determine whether technical malfunction, human error, or external sabotage played a role in the tragedy. Since the aircraft was manufactured by a U.S.-based company and registered in India, both FAA and NTSB participation is considered standard protocol for such investigations.
Survivor’s Account May Offer Vital Clues
The sole survivor, a British citizen of Indian origin, has become a central figure in the investigation. Though injured and under medical observation, officials hope that his statement may help reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the crash. Authorities have not released his identity to protect his privacy.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop just two minutes after takeoff, crashing at approximately 625 feet. The abrupt loss of control raises serious questions about possible mechanical failure or loss of thrust.
Public Reaction and Aviation Safety Concerns Intensify
The tragedy has sparked a wave of concern across India and abroad, with aviation experts and the general public calling for stricter safety oversight. Social media platforms are flooded with tributes and calls for accountability from Air India and aviation regulators.
Air India, now under Tata Group’s management, issued a brief statement expressing deep sorrow and promising full cooperation with the investigation. The airline has suspended all flights along the same route pending further inspection of its aircraft fleet.
A Nation Awaits Answers
As rescue efforts wind down and the forensic process continues, India waits for answers to one of its worst aviation disasters in recent history. With the black box now in safe hands and multiple agencies involved, experts hope to determine the root cause of the crash soon. For the families of the 270 victims, closure cannot come soon enough.
