In brief
The ongoing investigation into the devastating Air India crash continues, focusing on the crucial decision regarding the analysis of the aircraft's black boxes, which may be sent overseas for decryption and study amid concerns about their condition.
The fatal accident occurred last Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash-landed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, resulting in the death of at least 270 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently evaluating whether to send the flight data and cockpit voice recorders abroad for detailed analysis, a decision that has yet to be finalized despite reports suggesting otherwise.The AAIB has successfully retrieved both sets of Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs) from the crash site. These essential units, which log flight data and cockpit audio, were recovered days after the incident. With an emphasis on thorough investigation, the agency will determine the appropriate location for analysis based on multiple technical, safety, and security factors.Reports indicate that the black boxes might have sustained serious damage in the aftermath of the crash, raising potential challenges for data extraction in India. As a result, there are discussions about possibly sending the recorders to the United States for further examination. Captain Kishore Chinta, a former AAIB investigator, suggested that comparing the data retrieved in India with that obtained by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could be beneficial.In light of the tragedy, Air India's chairman noted that one of the plane's engines was brand new, while the other was not scheduled for servicing until December. Following the crash, India's aviation regulator mandated additional safety assessments for Air India's Boeing 787 fleet as a precautionary measure. Consequently, Air India announced a reduction of flights on 16 international routes and suspension of three international destinations to facilitate thorough pre-flight checks and manage adjustments due to airspace closures in the Middle East.The airline is also temporarily reducing flight operations using wide-body aircraft by 15%, reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety in the wake of this catastrophic event.
