Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: U.S. Golden Chassis Helps Download Raw Data from Black Box

Air India's Boeing 787-8 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) retrieved the two black boxes, but they were damaged. A Golden Chassis from the US National Transport Safety Board was used to download 49 hours of flight data and 2 hours of audio from one of the black boxes. Initial analysis of the data and audio has been completed.

The preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12 has shed light on several critical aspects of the incident. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released key findings that offer insights into the causes of the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives.

Initial Findings and Timeline

The report details that both engines of the aircraft shut down within seconds after takeoff, with the fuel cutoff switches moving from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" one after another in just one second. Cockpit audio confirms that one pilot asked, "Why did you cut off?" to which the other pilot replied, "I didn't." This indicates a potential malfunction or human error involving the fuel control switches [1].

The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was automatically deployed during the initial climb, providing emergency hydraulic power. CCTV footage obtained by the AAIB shows the RAT being deployed a few seconds after takeoff. The pilots attempted to restart the engines, but engine 1 partially recovered while engine 2 failed to recover before impact. The aircraft remained airborne for only 32 seconds before crashing 0.9 nautical miles from the runway into a hostel [2].

Investigation and Data Retrieval

The AAIB successfully retrieved the two black boxes from the crash site, although they were damaged. To recover data, a Golden Chassis from the US National Transportation Safety Board was used to download 49 hours of flight data and 2 hours of audio from one of the black boxes. Initial analysis of the data and audio has been completed [3].

Implications for Boeing and Aviation Safety

The preliminary report raises questions about the fuel control switches used in Boeing 787-8 aircraft. In December 2018, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a special airworthiness information bulletin regarding a potential flaw in the fuel control switches, but these inspections were not carried out by Air India as they were advisory and not mandatory. This highlights a potential gap in maintenance practices that could impact aviation safety [1].

The incident underscores the importance of examining not just crashes but also near-misses and deviations from the norm to enhance aviation safety. The safety record of the aviation industry, despite recent tragedies, remains statistically the safest mode of transportation. However, the Air India crash serves as a reminder that continuous vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

Next Steps

The investigation continues, with wreckage and engines moved to secure areas for further examination. Additional details are being gathered based on initial leads, and fuel samples are being tested at suitable facilities. The AAIB, along with technical members from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the National Transportation Safety Board, is leading the probe [3].

References:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/12/why-did-he-cut-off-what-has-the-report-on-air-india-flight-171-found

[2] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/key-takeaways-from-air-india-probe-report-on-ahmedabad-plane-crash-8863105

[3] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/aviation/ahmedabad-crash-aaib-submits-initial-report-to-ministry-of-civil-aviation-125070800538_1.html