June 14, 2025: Days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash of Air India flight AI 171 near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, authorities have recovered the aircraft’s black box, a critical step toward uncovering the cause of India’s deadliest aviation disaster in recent history.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff on June 12, plowing into a residential complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area, killing at least 260 people. Officials confirmed the discovery of the black box—comprising the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—on the rooftop of a medical hostel near the crash site. According to authorities, data analysis is underway to determine what led to the catastrophic failure.
High-Level Probe Ordered
In response to the tragedy, the Civil Aviation Ministry has constituted a multi-disciplinary committee to probe the crash. The panel, comprising experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), will examine technical, procedural, and human factors. A final report is expected within three months.
India’s aviation watchdog, DGCA, has also mandated enhanced safety checks for all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Air India, focusing on flight control systems and engine performance.
Lone Survivor’s Miraculous Escape
In a rare moment of hope amidst the tragedy, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh emerged as the sole survivor. In an emotional interview, he described how he was seated near an emergency exit, which burst open after impact. “I undid my seatbelt, pushed myself out, and ran,” he said, mourning the loss of his brother, who was also onboard.
Victims and Global Response
Among the deceased were former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Rupani, several doctors, medical students, and residents from the impacted neighborhood. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, has announced ₹1 crore as compensation to the families of each deceased passenger. Emergency helplines have also been activated for domestic and international callers.
International condolences poured in, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who termed the incident “terrible and horrific,” extending support to India.
What’s a Black Box?
Aviation experts stress the importance of the black box, which records crucial flight data and cockpit audio. The recovered device will help determine the aircraft’s altitude, engine condition, pilot actions, and any distress communication. Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have issued a “May Day” call moments before the crash, indicating an emergency.
10 Key Updates:
- Death toll climbs to 260, including passengers and residents.
- Black box recovered, currently under analysis by AAIB.
- PM Modi and Amit Shah reviewed the situation and met victims’ families.
- Flight AI 171 was en route to London Gatwick with 230+ people onboard.
- Lone survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh shared harrowing escape story.
- Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among the deceased.
- Compensation of ₹1 crore announced by Tata Group for each victim’s family.
- DGCA orders safety audits of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet.
- Crash site under extensive examination by multi-agency task force.
- Final report from AAIB expected in three months.
As India mourns a profound loss, the nation looks to investigators to deliver answers and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.