India is actively pursuing its investigation into the recent Air India plane crash. The black box from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which met with an accident, is set to be dispatched to the United States for detailed analysis. This crucial device was retrieved two days post-crash but was found to have significant external damage, hindering experts in India from extracting any usable data. Consequently, it will be sent to the US, where specialized facilities may succeed in recovering vital information.
As reported by a financial publication, the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) data will be analyzed at the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) laboratory in Washington. The findings will subsequently be communicated to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is overseeing the crash investigation. It is important to highlight that international regulations stipulate that the country where the incident occurred is responsible for conducting the investigation.
Although the AAIB established a laboratory in Delhi last year, it is not yet fully equipped to handle data extraction from severely damaged recorders. A source involved in the investigation indicated that the NTSB team will transport the black box to their facility under the supervision of Indian officials to ensure adherence to proper protocols.
Given that 53 British nationals were among the deceased, the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch will also participate in the inquiry. The Air India flight, which was en route to London from Ahmedabad, tragically crashed moments after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 241 lives, with only one survivor.
The aircraft crashed into BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, claiming the lives of 33 individuals on the ground on June 12. The black box, an essential component in crash investigations, consists of two parts: the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder. It is designed in bright orange to facilitate its recovery after an accident. Despite its robust construction meant to endure extreme impacts, it often suffers significant damage due to the crash force or subsequent fires.