Investigators have found the black box from the Air India aircraft that crashed on Thursday. The accident claimed the lives of all 241 people on board, as well as several individuals on the ground.
The Boeing 787 was en route to London when it went down shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. It struck a residential area and collided with a medical college hostel, causing a major fire and extensive damage.
The flight data recorder was located on a rooftop near the crash site. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the discovery, calling it a significant step forward.
Investigation focuses on mechanical faults and safety protocols
Paul Fromme of the UK’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers explained that the recorder contains vital information. It logs engine performance and aircraft control settings. Alongside cockpit voice recordings, it will help determine whether a technical fault caused the crash.
Meanwhile, India’s aviation authority has ordered urgent inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with GEnx engines. These checks will cover fuel systems, hydraulics, engine controls, and cabin air compressors.
A team from the United States is assisting, including experts from the NTSB, FAA, Boeing, and General Electric. Professor Graham Braithwaite of Cranfield University noted that the goal is to prevent future incidents. He added that the process would remain independent and closely supervised.
Sole survivor speaks out as families grieve
Rescue teams continued their work at the site on Friday. Authorities described the crash as one of the most devastating in India’s aviation history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the injured and offered condolences to grieving families.
The only survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, spoke to national media from hospital. He recalled that the plane began to struggle immediately after take-off. Although the lights came on and the aircraft accelerated, it failed to gain height. He escaped through a broken door after unfastening his seat belt.
At Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, relatives gathered to identify the deceased. Many of the bodies were badly burned and required DNA testing. Four medical students died in the hostel, and over 30 others were injured. At least four remain in critical condition.
Air India faces questions amid public concern
The aircraft involved was 12 years old. Although over 1,200 Boeing 787s are in operation globally, this is the model’s first fatal crash in 16 years of service. Boeing has previously faced safety issues on other aircraft types.
Air India, now owned by Tata Sons, was privatised in 2022. Since then, the airline has ordered new aircraft, rebranded its image, and merged with smaller carriers under the Tata Group.
Local residents described scenes of chaos and destruction. Indrajeet Singh Solanki, who helped with rescue efforts, said there was thick smoke and parts of the plane burning. He and others rushed to help the injured and took them to nearby hospitals.
In a separate incident, another Air India flight received a bomb threat on Friday. Flight AI 379 from Phuket to New Delhi returned to the Thai airport after a written threat was found in a lavatory. All passengers were safely evacuated, and authorities later confirmed there was no real danger. The flight resumed later that day, though one passenger chose not to reboard.
