Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has confirmed that the black box from the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash remains in India and is currently under examination by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The clarification comes amid widespread media speculation that the crucial flight recorder might be sent abroad for analysis.
The fatal incident occurred on June 12, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft struck the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar, resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew, with only one survivor. An additional 29 fatalities were reported on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 270.
The black box, comprising the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), was recovered on June 13. These devices are vital for investigators, as they record flight metrics and in-cockpit communications, offering key insights into the chain of events leading up to the crash.
Minister Naidu emphasized the technical complexity involved in retrieving and analyzing the black box data, and said no definitive timeline for the investigation's conclusion could be provided at this stage. He reaffirmed that the AAIB is conducting the investigation independently, in line with international aviation safety protocols.
Air India has pledged full cooperation with the authorities. While the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have offered assistance, the Indian government continues to lead the investigation.
The minister urged the public and media to allow investigators the time and space required for a comprehensive and impartial inquiry.