India’s decision on whether to send the flight recorders from last week’s Air India crash abroad for analysis remains undecided, as the investigation into the tragedy continues. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India, killing at least 270 people.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered both sets of the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), commonly known as “black boxes,” from the crash site. These crucial devices track key flight data, including engine performance, gear position, fuel flow, and even cockpit audio. They can offer insights into the final moments of the flight and help investigators determine the cause of the crash.
However, some media outlets had earlier reported that the black boxes would be sent abroad for further analysis. The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the location for decoding the flight data. The AAIB has emphasized that it will make its decision after conducting a comprehensive assessment of technical, safety, and security factors.
The investigation has raised concerns about the condition of the flight recorders. Reports suggest that the devices may have been damaged in the fire that engulfed the plane post-crash, potentially complicating data extraction efforts in India. Captain Kishore Chinta, a former AAIB investigator, suggested that one of the sets of recorders might be sent to the United States to compare data with that provided to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He also noted that the AAIB’s new lab in Delhi, which was inaugurated earlier this year, might not yet be fully operational for EAFR data analysis.
Meanwhile, Air India’s chairman, N Chandrasekaran, confirmed that one of the engines on the crashed aircraft was new, while the other had no upcoming maintenance requirements until December. Both engines had clean maintenance histories, the airline stated. Additionally, the airline revealed that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft have passed inspections and have been cleared for service. In response to the crash, India’s aviation regulator ordered additional safety checks on Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet.
To further ensure safety, Air India announced on Thursday that it would reduce flights on 16 international routes and suspend services to three overseas destinations between June 21 and July 15. The airline attributed these reductions to enhanced pre-flight safety checks and adjustments for increased flight durations due to airspace closures in the Middle East. These measures follow a decision to temporarily cut wide-body aircraft operations by 15%.
The crash has raised significant questions about the airline’s operations and the wider aviation safety standards in India. As investigations continue, Air India and regulators are under pressure to ensure the safety of its fleet and restore public confidence.
