JUNE 26: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has made significant progress in the investigation of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash. India, as a signatory to the ICAO Chicago Convention (1944), is investigating by ICAO Annex 13 and India’s Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.
A multidisciplinary team was formed immediately after the accident on June 13, 2025, led by the Director General (DG) of AAIB. The team includes an aviation medicine expert, an Air Traffic Control officer, and representatives from the U.S.-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), given that the aircraft’s design and manufacture originated in the United States.
Black Box Recovery and Transport
The investigation team successfully recovered both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The first black box was found on a building rooftop at the crash site on June 13, while the second was retrieved from the wreckage on June 16.
Strict security protocols were followed in their handling. The devices were stored under 24×7 police protection and continuous CCTV surveillance in Ahmedabad. On June 24, the black boxes were securely flown to Delhi aboard Indian Air Force aircraft, with the front box arriving at 2:00 PM and the rear one at 5:15 PM.
Data Extraction and Analysis Underway
By the evening of June 24, the AAIB, with technical support from the NTSB, began the extraction process. The Crash Protection Module (CPM) from the front recorder was carefully opened, and the memory module was accessed. On June 25, data from the CVR and FDR was successfully downloaded at the AAIB Lab in Delhi.
This vital information will help investigators reconstruct the timeline and technical circumstances of the crash, identify root causes, and recommend preventive measures to bolster aviation safety.
All procedures have been executed strictly within national and international regulations, showcasing India’s commitment to transparent, timely, and expert-led aviation accident investigation.
