One week since India’s deadliest aviation disaster in three decades, investigators have concluded recovery operations at the crash site in Ahmedabad and are now analysing black boxes to determine the cause of the Air India tragedy that claimed 241 lives.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical hostel shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on 12 June, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, along with several on the ground. The only survivor, Vishwash Kumar, has provided a detailed account of the moments leading to the crash.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed on Thursday that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has completed “key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection,” and that further analysis is now underway.
Both black box sets — including the combined Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — have been recovered. One unit was retrieved on 13 June, while the second was located on 16 June. The B787 carries two such sets — under the cockpit and in the tail section.
“The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations,” the ministry stated, amid speculation that the data might be sent overseas.
Reconstruction and forensic analysis
According to a senior police official involved in the investigation, the debris will be transferred to a location near the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL), on Airports Authority of India (AAI) land, for further inspection.
“Experts will attempt to reconstruct sections of the aircraft at that site to assist in the inquiry. All electronic components recovered from the wreckage will be handed over to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination,” the official said.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik added: “Reconstructed parts of the aircraft will be examined to determine what led to the crash. The black box will be analysed as part of this process.”
Investigators will carry out metallurgical and mechanical assessments of engines and control surfaces to trace any structural or systemic faults. A strict chain of custody is being maintained for all recovered parts.
Also read: Second black box found in AI crash, CVR to intensify probe
Survivor speaks, security reports filed
Lone survivor Vishwash Kumarsaid that shortly after take-off he heard a loud sound and felt the aircraft lose balance before it crashed. His statement has been recorded by police.
CISF personnel stationed near the Instrument Landing System (ILS) area on the runway also reported hearing a loud noise as the aircraft lifted off, an Airports Authority of India official confirmed.
The investigation is being led by the AAIB with technical support from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, under protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). A high-level committee headed by the Home Secretary has also been constituted to examine regulatory and safety lapses.
DNA identification
As of Thursday, 215 of the victims have been identified via DNA matching, and 198 bodies have been handed over to their families. The deceased included 149 Indian nationals, 32 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
The crash has had far-reaching implications for Air India’s global operations. The airline announced a 15 per cent reduction in international widebody services and enhanced safety checks across its Boeing 787 and 777 fleets.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that 26 of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft cleared enhanced surveillance checks. However, Air India has temporarily suspended services on three overseas routes — Delhi–Nairobi, Amritsar–London (Gatwick), and Goa (Mopa)–London (Gatwick) — until 15 July. Services on 16 other international routes will also be reduced during this period.
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