Black Box Analysis to Move Overseas Amid Heavy Damage
In the wake of the recent Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash, investigators have revealed that the aircraft's black box sustained significant damage, necessitating its shipment to the United States for data extraction and analysis. Found two days after the tragic accident, the recorder's condition has made local data retrieval efforts unfeasible.
Why the US National Transportation Safety Board Is Involved
The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) will be examined at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) laboratory in Washington, D.C. This collaboration is critical, as India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lacks the advanced equipment required to process heavily damaged recorders despite establishing a lab last year.
An official privy to the operation noted that the NTSB team will transport the black box under strict supervision by Indian officials to ensure compliance with investigative protocols. According to international aviation regulations, the state where an accident happens is responsible for conducting the initial investigations.
Importance of the Black Box in Crash Investigations
The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder are vital investigative tools painted bright orange to withstand severe impacts. Still, crash forces and subsequent fires often cause considerable damage. Extracted data provides detailed insights into flight parameters such as timing, altitude, airspeed, and cockpit conversations, which are key to understanding the root causes of the accident.
Due to the damage sustained, specialists must carefully remove the memory chip by detaching the memory board to avoid further data loss. Additionally, the circuitry will undergo meticulous examination.
The timeline for recovering usable data varies widely — ranging anywhere from a couple of days to several months — depending on the recorder’s condition.
International Collaboration and Broader Safety Measures
The crash investigation is also drawing international attention, with the United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch joining the probe, given that 53 British citizens were among the victims.
The tragic incident occurred moments after the flight departed Ahmedabad en route to London, resulting in 241 fatalities onboard and a single survivor. The aircraft collided with the BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, killing an additional 33 people on the ground.
Precautionary Fleet Inspections Underway
In response, Air India has launched thorough inspections and maintenance checks across its entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which consists of 33 aircraft. The ill-fated plane was 12 years old.
The 787 Dreamliner has had a generally strong safety record over its 16 years of operation, with this being its first fatal crash. Globally, around 1,200 Dreamliners are currently in service.
The investigation remains ongoing, with analysis from the black box data expected to shed light on the factors that led to this tragic event.
