Ahmedabad – June 2025
It has now been eight days since Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of more than 275 people. As grief continues to sweep across the country, the investigation into what caused the disaster has intensified—centered now on a key piece of evidence: the aircraft’s black box, recovered earlier this week.

While speculation and theories continue to circulate, aviation experts say the real answers may lie in the data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), both of which have been retrieved from the wreckage.

“Critical Clues Lie Within the Recorders,” Says Expert

In an exclusive interview, Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University, stated that the chances of uncovering the truth are high, thanks to the successful recovery of both black box components.

“The flight data recorder will tell us exactly what happened to the airplane,” Gratton explained. “Equally critical is the cockpit voice recorder, which reveals what the crew believed was happening and what actions they took. Together, these devices are the most important sources for understanding what led to this tragedy.”

Where Will the Data Be Decoded?

There has been ongoing debate over whether the black box should be analyzed in India or sent abroad, specifically to the United States. Gratton noted that only a handful of countries—including the U.S., UK, and France—have fully mature black box analysis capabilities. However, India has been working to build its own capacity at facilities such as Industics in Lucknow.

“It’s a question of readiness,” said Gratton. “If India’s domestic facilities are not yet considered fully equipped, the devices may be sent to the West. But if that happens, India must maintain full control and security over the process to ensure transparency and accuracy.”

Beyond the Black Box: The Role of Wreckage

While much attention has focused on the black box, Gratton emphasized that other evidence will be equally important. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in India is currently collecting and analyzing aircraft debris, with a focus on detecting any pre-crash damage that might explain what went wrong.

“Investigators will examine every part of the wreckage. If anything shows signs of failure before impact, that would be crucial to understanding the nature of the accident.”

The Role of Boeing and General Electric

Given that the downed aircraft was a Boeing 707, powered by GE engines, questions have been raised about conflicts of interest in the investigation. Gratton acknowledged the concern, but emphasized the technical necessity of involving the manufacturers.

“Boeing and GE understand the systems on that aircraft better than anyone. Their input will greatly enhance the quality of the investigation,” he said.
“However, the Indian AIB will lead the inquiry and will issue a final report that includes recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.”

How Boeing and GE respond to the final findings remains to be seen, but Gratton expressed hope that the companies—and other 787 operators worldwide—will take the results seriously.

What Comes Next?

As investigators continue to piece together the final moments of Flight 171, families of the victims and the broader public await clarity. The black box offers hope for answers, but experts caution that full transparency and thorough analysis are essential to delivering truth and accountability.

With the memory of those lost weighing heavily on the investigation, the world now waits to hear what story the data will tell.