Probing the Catastrophe: The Unfolding Investigation into the Air India Crash

The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has plunged India into a period of intense grief and ignited a comprehensive, multi-faceted investigation aimed at unravelling the precise sequence of events that led to the loss of 241 lives on board and on the ground. The incident, marking India's worst air disaster in nearly two decades and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787, has prompted an unprecedented mobilization of resources and expertise, with investigators meticulously sifting through wreckage, analyzing critical data, and interviewing witnesses to piece together the harrowing narrative of the aircraft's final moments.
At the heart of any aviation accident investigation lies the recovery and analysis of the "black boxes" – the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). In the immediate aftermath of the crash, search and rescue teams prioritized locating these crucial devices amidst the devastation of the crash site in Ahmedabad's densely populated Meghani Nagar locality. Both black boxes have reportedly been recovered, and their data is now undergoing intensive analysis by experts. The FDR meticulously records hundreds of parameters, including altitude, speed, engine performance, control surface movements, and autopilot settings, offering a detailed snapshot of the aircraft's operational state. The CVR, on the other hand, captures all audio within the cockpit, including pilot conversations, air traffic control communications, emergency alarms, and any sounds that could provide clues to the crew's actions and the aircraft's distress signals. The condition of these recorders is paramount, as investigators must ensure the integrity of the data despite the immense heat and impact forces generated by the crash.
Initial reports from Air Traffic Control (ATC) indicate that the aircraft made a "mayday" call, reporting power problems with its GEnx engines shortly before impact. This critical piece of information has immediately steered a significant portion of the investigation towards the possibility of engine failure, or even dual engine failure. Aviation experts, including former pilots, have weighed in, with some pointing to photographic evidence from the crash site suggesting that at least one of the engines was not producing significant thrust at the time of impact. Theories revolving around engine issues, fuel contamination, and potential electrical system malfunctions that could have compromised engine responsiveness are being rigorously explored. The Boeing 787, being a "more-electric" aircraft, relies heavily on electrical systems, and investigators are scrutinizing whether a failure in these systems could have contributed to the reported power loss.
Beyond the black boxes and immediate operational data, the investigation is unfolding on several parallel fronts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, is leading the statutory investigation, a comprehensive process that typically takes several months, if not over a year, to conclude. This involves a meticulous examination of:
 * Aircraft Maintenance Records: A thorough review of the crashed Boeing 787's maintenance history, including any reported issues, repairs, inspections, and compliance with airworthiness directives. The aircraft was 12 years old and had been operational since 2014.
 * Pilot Training Records and Crew Performance: Scrutiny of the flight crew's qualifications, training history, flight hours, and any records pertaining to their recent performance or health.
 * Air Traffic Control (ATC) Logs and Communications: Detailed analysis of all communications between the flight crew and ATC, along with radar data, to reconstruct the aircraft's trajectory and any instructions given or received.
 * Witness Testimonies and On-Site Evidence: Collecting and corroborating accounts from individuals who witnessed the crash, as well as meticulous documentation and analysis of the wreckage distribution, impact patterns, and any physical anomalies at the crash site.
 * Aircraft Design and Manufacturing: As the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the investigation will also involve collaboration with Boeing to review the aircraft's design, manufacturing processes, and any past issues or modifications. Boeing has expressed its readiness to support the investigation.
In addition to the primary investigative body, the Indian government has established a separate, high-level committee. Chaired by the Union Home Secretary, this committee's mandate extends beyond determining the immediate cause of this specific crash. Its focus is on a broader systemic review, including examining existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for preventing and handling aircraft emergencies. The committee is tasked with formulating comprehensive guidelines for future crisis management and aviation safety enhancements, with a preliminary report expected within three months. This dual-track approach reflects the gravity of the incident and the government's commitment to both understanding the immediate cause and implementing long-term systemic improvements.
Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, the DGCA has ordered enhanced safety checks across Air India's entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, particularly those equipped with GEnx engines. These inspections include evaluations of specific take-off parameters, electronic engine control assessments, and engine fuel system verifications. This proactive step, while causing some flight cancellations due to longer inspection times, aims to mitigate any potential underlying risks across the fleet.
The investigation is an arduous and complex undertaking, operating under immense public scrutiny and emotional pressure from the affected families. International rules for aviation crash investigations, specifically "Annex 13," mandate that the probe be led by air safety authorities in the country where the crash occurred, with assistance from other countries and the aircraft manufacturer. While preliminary findings may emerge relatively quickly, a definitive conclusion on the cause of such a complex disaster typically requires months, if not years, of meticulous work, often involving laboratory analyses of components, simulations, and expert consultations. The goal is not merely to assign blame but to understand precisely what went wrong to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ultimately enhancing global aviation safety.
Source@BBC