Black Box of Air India: The Voice of the Lost Flight

We are all aware of the Air India tragedy that claimed countless innocent lives. The nation mourns as investigators search for answers behind the terrible crash. This heartbreaking incident has left a lasting impact on both families and the aviation community. Ahmedabad, India, June 12, the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade claimed the lives of over 240 people when an Air India plane headed for London crashed just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, according to authorities. There was only one person left alive when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers, crashed into a medical college dorm during lunch on its way to Gatwick Airport, south of the British capital.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with 242 people on board, which was headed for Gatwick Airport, south of the British capital, had only one survivor after it crashed into a medical college hostel during lunch hour.

In the wake of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad, investigators have recovered both the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — together known as the “black boxes.” These two critical devices are now at the center of efforts to uncover what caused the aircraft to crash shortly after takeoff, claiming hundreds of lives. But what exactly is a black box, and how does it help unravel the mystery behind such aviation disasters?

What is a black box?

A black box is a flight recorder that records cockpit audio and flight data on planes. There are two parts to it:

1 The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) keeps track of technical information like speed, altitude, engine performance, and system status during the flight.

2 The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) records all sounds in the cockpit, such as conversations between pilots, alarms, and radio calls.

After a crash, these tools help investigators figure out the cause of the accident after a crash.

What does the black box reveal about the final moments of the Air India flight?

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said it had started its work with "full force" after finding the plane's digital flight data recorder, or black box, on a rooftop near the crash site. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on social media that the recovery of the black box is a big step forward in the investigation.Paul Fromme, a mechanical engineer with the U.K.-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in a statement that the device will show information about the engine and control settings, as well as what the voice recorder shows about the conversations in the cockpit.

1. Last Words from the Cockpit

The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) captured the pilot’s final transmission:"Mayday! Mayday! Thrust not achieved."This urgent call indicates that the aircraft failed to generate the necessary engine power during takeoff, leaving the crew in an emergency within seconds of takeoff.

2. Inadequate Lift and Sudden Stall

Data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) shows the plane reached only about 650 feet before rapidly losing altitude. It indicates a likely aerodynamic stall, in which the aircraft was unable to maintain flight because of insufficient speed, thrust, or an incorrect flap/gear arrangement.

3. Landing Gear and Flap Issues

The black box data also revealed that the landing gear was not retracted, and there were possible issues with flap settings. Both of these conditions increase drag and reduce lift, making it more difficult for the aircraft to climb, especially during an already compromised takeoff.

4. Calm but Rapid Response

CVR analysis shows that the pilots remained composed and followed emergency procedures, but they had less than a minute to act. Despite their efforts, the plane did not gain altitude and crashed soon after takeoff.

The black box has become the voice of the lost flight, revealing critical technical failures and the crew’s final attempts to save the aircraft. While more analysis is ongoing, these findings are shaping the investigation and could lead to urgent safety improvements in aircraft systems and pilot training.