Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered; panel gets 3 months to submit probe report

New Delhi: A significant breakthrough was achieved with the recovery of the Ahmedabad-London aircraft’s black box on June 13, around 5 pm. The decoding process is expected to offer critical insights into the flight’s final moments, said minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu.

On June 14, he, along with MoS Murlidhar Mohol, secretary MoCA Samir Kumar Sinha, and senior officials, addressed a press briefing at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. The briefing detailed the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 and outlined the immediate response by the Government of India, the status of ongoing investigations, and future reforms aimed at strengthening aviation safety.

The aviation minister said that a high-level committee has been given three months to probe the plane crash, adding that all the theories on the AI-171 flight will be analysed.

What happened?

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating between Ahmedabad and Gatwick Airport (London), crashed within one minute of take-off. The crash occurred in the densely populated Meghani Nagar locality of Ahmedabad. The flight was carrying 242 individuals—230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members.

Among the deceased are the passengers and young medical students from Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad. Their untimely demise has been described as a profound loss not only to their families but also to the nation’s future.

In the immediate aftermath, prime minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he interacted with the injured and bereaved families and reviewed rescue and relief efforts. He also chaired a high-level meeting at the airport to direct further action.

Support to families

The government has issued clear instructions to Air India Management to extend comprehensive support to the families of those affected. Measures include:

- Immediate disbursement of ex gratia compensation

- Logistical and emotional support to the next of kin

- Deployment of senior Air India officials to meet and assist affected families

- Establishment of a dedicated support cell in Gatwick, London, for British nationals and their families

- Assistance with documentation, travel arrangements and hospital coordination for the injured

The minister emphasised that this incident must be treated not only as a technical investigation but as a humanitarian priority, with every possible support extended to grieving families.

Ongoing investigation

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) commenced a formal investigation into the crash on the same day. A five-member GO Team, led by the director general of AAIB, was dispatched immediately and later augmented with forensic and medical experts.

High-level committee for multi-dimensional review

A high-level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Union home secretary to conduct an independent and comprehensive inquiry.

The key objectives of the committee include:

- Examine the incident from technical, operational, and regulatory standpoints

- Identify any systemic or institutional gaps

- Submit a consolidated report within three months

- Recommend long-term reforms to strengthen aviation safety, including certification systems, emergency response protocols, crew training and air traffic management systems

The minister informed that while the AAIB investigation will handle the technical aspects, this high-level committee will provide a holistic, policy-oriented roadmap for future safeguards.

The committee is scheduled to begin its deliberations on June 16.

Aircraft maintenance and surveillance measures

The DGCA has directed Air India to undertake immediate technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines. Of the 33 Dreamliners currently in service across Indian carriers, 8 have already undergone inspection. The remaining aircraft are being checked on an urgent basis.

The DGCA has also intensified ongoing surveillance of maintenance protocols and airworthiness procedures for all wide-body aircraft operating in India.

India’s commitment to aviation safety

The minister reaffirmed India’s global standing in aviation safety, noting that international organisations, including ICAO, have consistently rated India’s aviation regulatory systems as robust and compliant. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and transparency.