Ahmedabad plane crash: Digital recorder found, black box yet to be recovered

Air India’s London-bound flight, which crashed on Thursday in Ahmedabad claimed lives of 241 people onboard, with  only one survivor. The crash remains under investigation as authorities continue to search for evidence. A forensic team official has confirmed that the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) has been recovered from the site.

However the black box, which could provide crucial data about what went wrong during the short flight, has not been recovered.

At least 265 people lost their lives in the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad to assess the situation and meet with officials and the sole survivor.

According to early reports, the crash occurred as the aircraft was lifting off from the runway. A forensic team official stated, “A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) has been recovered from the debris.” The DVR is expected to provide some initial insights, though the black box, considered the most crucial piece of evidence in such investigations, is still missing.

The forensic team, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has collected samples and left the site. 

What is a black box?

A black box is basically a ‘recorder’ planted inside the flight for the purpose of facilitating the investigation of aviation accidents and incidents.

The electronic device may be a bright orange-coloured box that is recovered after plane accidents, offering crucial information about the last moments before the mishap.

It is primarily made of titanium and enclosed in a titanium box that can survive a severe crash involving fire. Inside the box are two separate devices: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which means it not only offers the data of the technical functioning of the aircraft during the flight, it also registers the conversations that may have taken place between pilot and co-pilots, and their communication with the ATC. 

If the flight submerges into water, an ultrasonic ‘ping’ will be generated from the FDR to aid in detection.