National, foreign investigating teams arrive in Ahmedabad, crash site sealed

After the tragic AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar, various agencies, including volunteers reached the crash site to retrieve bodies and other belongings.

Moreover, the crash site – B J Medical College boys' hostel saw the arrival of investigating teams including Boeing Company, Air India,  Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), US National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

As an extensive investigation has begun, the Director General of Gujarat Police Vikas Sahay has sealed the crash site and requested citizens not to trespass the place.

“Extremely grateful to all the local residents and volunteers who immediately joined us at the crash site for the rescue and relief operations. Since the last two days, the entire area has been cordoned and sealed for quick and easy collection of evidence for purposes of investigation. Appeal to all not to go near the crash site. Thanks for your understanding,” said Sahay on Sunday.

What will AAIB investigate?

• Agencies will map the exact crash site and nearby areas using a geographic area mapping and recording.
• Eyewitness statements will be recorded, and the debris will also be photographed and documented by forensic experts.
• Analysing debris and black box.
• Statements of local people and witnesses will be recorded.
• Important technical checking like onboard system data, GPS device, CCTV and nearby surveillance.
• Ahmedabad ATC, radar station data, and recordings of all radio communications with the crash site will be reviewed.

What will Boeing team investigate?

• The flight data recorder will be analysed for information such as the aircraft’s speed, altitude, engine thrust, flap positions, fuel levels, and hundreds of other system parameters.
• The cockpit voice recorder will be studied for pilot conversations, communication with air traffic control, and other cockpit sounds.
• Investigators will thoroughly examine every small and large piece of wreckage collected from the crash site. They will focus on critical components such as engines, wings, fuselage, and control surfaces. The analysis will include checking for metal fatigue, cracks, burn patterns, and other physical evidence to determine if there was any mechanical failure.
• All manufacturing records related to the aircraft—including design, component quality, and installation—will be reviewed.
• The plane’s maintenance records will be checked to identify any missed maintenance-related issues.
• Boeing experts will analyze the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s systems, as it is a highly advanced and computerised aircraft. This includes examining the fly-by-wire control systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and other onboard systems. They will also try to identify any possible software or hardware malfunctions.