Ahmedabad: Investigators have retrieved the crucial flight data recorder from the wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787 that crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff on Friday.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed recovery of the black box from the rooftop of BJ Medical College’s staff housing quarters, where the London-bound Dreamliner plunged moments after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
A joint team of over 40 state government personnel and aviation ministry experts worked through the night to locate the device, which contains vital flight parameters and cockpit communications. The DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder) is expected to reveal critical information about the aircraft’s final moments.
The twin-engine widebody jet, operating as AI-161 to London Gatwick, reportedly experienced technical issues during its initial climb before crashing into the residential compound. Aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive probe into what caused the modern aircraft to go down in clear weather conditions.
Black boxes, designed to withstand extreme impact and heat, are considered the most reliable source of information in air crash investigations. The recovered unit will be sent to specialized labs for data extraction and analysis.
Local authorities have cordoned off the crash site as rescue operations transition to debris removal and evidence collection. The medical college sustained significant structural damage, though casualty figures remain unconfirmed pending official verification.
This marks India’s first major commercial aviation accident involving the technologically advanced Dreamliner aircraft since its introduction in the country. Aviation regulators worldwide are monitoring the investigation closely, given the 787’s global operational footprint.
