Air India Flight AI171 Crash on 12th Jun 2025
Black Box and Investigation of Air India Flight AI171 Crash
Air India Flight AI171 crashed yesterday, which seems to be a big technical failure of Boeing 787.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the black box recovery and ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. It is based on the information provided by the user and recent news updates, covering the role of the black box, the technical specifications of aircraft sensors, and the progress of the investigation.
Background and Crash Details
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, en route to London. The flight carried 242 passengers and crew members, with 241 fatalities and only one survivor. The crash occurred near Ahmedabad Airport, and video footage revealed the aircraft in an unusually nose-high position, passing over buildings before impacting the ground.
Role of the Black Box and Aircraft Sensors
The black box, comprising the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), is critical for recording data from the aircraft’s engines and systems. As highlighted by the user, aircraft engines are equipped with numerous sensors made from advanced materials such as ceramics and rare earth elements. These sensors monitor parameters like speed, acceleration, deceleration, fuel status, temperature, pressure, altitude, and other critical metrics, measuring them in microseconds. The data is transmitted to both the cockpit for real-time monitoring and the black box for secure recording.
These sensors are highly durable, designed to operate in extreme conditions ranging from -60°C to 1,700°C. They undergo rigorous testing at a nanoscale level in specialized probe stations, where generated signals ranging from nano amperes and nanovolts to high volts and amperes are traced and converted into digital displays and recordings. The user noted that these sensors, costing millions to tens of millions of rupees each, are engineered to withstand catastrophic fires, ensuring the black box data remains intact post-crash.
Black Box Recovery and Analysis
According to recent reports from The Guardian and ABC News, one of the two black boxes has been recovered from the crash site, while efforts continue to locate the second. The recovered black box is expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the crash, which could include technical failures, bird strikes, or sabotage. However, no specific timeline for the analysis has been announced, and the process may take time due to the complexity of the data.
Investigation Progress and Potential Causes
The investigation is being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from a Boeing team, as reported by ABC News. Experts have speculated on possible causes, including engine failure, bird strikes, or other technical issues, according to Deccan Herald. While sabotage has not been ruled out, no concrete evidence supporting this theory has emerged.
Preliminary analysis and video footage indicate that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after takeoff, crashing at an elevation of less than 1,000 feet, as noted by CNN. This unusual trajectory and behavior have prompted investigators to explore multiple hypotheses.
Sabotage and Staff Monitoring
The user suggested maintaining close oversight of the maintenance and clearance staff involved with the aircraft, particularly in light of potential sabotage. This is a standard investigative practice to rule out human error or malicious intent. While sabotage remains a possibility under consideration, no evidence has surfaced to substantiate this claim at this stage.
Technical Specifications of Sensors
As per the user’s input, aircraft sensors are micron-sized and designed to function reliably in diverse conditions. They are tested in extreme temperatures (-60°C to 1,700°C) and at a nanometer scale to ensure accuracy. These sensors generate signals ranging from nanoamperes and nanovolts to higher voltages and currents, which are processed into real-time data for pilots in the cockpit and securely stored in the black box. Their robust design ensures that black box data remains viable for analysis even after severe crashes, enabling investigators to reconstruct nearly every aspect of the flight.
One black box has been recovered, and the search for the second continues. The analysis of the black box data is expected to shed light on the precise cause of the crash, including whether sabotage played a role. While the investigation is ongoing, no definitive conclusions have been reached. As recommended by the user, monitoring the maintenance and clearance staff is a prudent step to ensure all possibilities are thoroughly examined. The aviation community awaits the results of the black box analysis to provide clarity on this tragic incident.
As of 09.30 AM IST on June 13, 2025.