Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the crashed Air India flight AI171, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing probe into one of the world’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The CVR, housed within the aircraft’s second black box, was located on Sunday, just days after the devastating crash in Ahmedabad that claimed at least 279 lives. The flight data recorder—the first of the two black boxes—was retrieved within 28 hours of the incident.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed into residential buildings shortly after a failed takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. All but one of the passengers onboard perished. An additional 38 casualties were recorded on the ground, bringing the total number of victims to 279.
A mayday call was issued by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal mere seconds after the aircraft lifted off the runway, signaling critical distress. However, authorities have yet to release any formal conclusions or details about the final moments recorded in the CVR.
The investigation, spearheaded by Indian aviation authorities with technical support from the United Kingdom and the United States, is currently focusing on possible engine failure, as well as malfunctions involving the wing flaps and landing gear.
As of Sunday night, only 80 of the deceased had been identified, with families anxiously awaiting the outcome of DNA tests before bodies can be released for burial.
“This is a slow and highly sensitive process,” said Dr. Rajnish Patel of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. “We are ensuring every identity is confirmed with absolute certainty.”
The tragedy has reignited urgent conversations around aviation safety standards, aircraft maintenance protocols, and crisis response mechanisms in both domestic and international air travel.
