Air India AI171 Crash: Full Investigation May Take Over a Year, Says AAIB

 Ahmedabad, June 18 — The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad is expected to span at least one year, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB is leading the probe and will be supported by both aircraft manufacturer Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in analyzing the aircraft’s black boxes, which have been recovered from the crash site.

While the AAIB has not ruled out the possibility of releasing an interim report, the decision to send the black boxes abroad for further forensic decoding is still under consideration.

In parallel, a separate government-appointed committee is examining the incident from technical, operational, and regulatory perspectives. Its findings are expected to be submitted within three months, offering a broader review of systemic factors surrounding the crash.

Black Boxes and Debris at the Core of Investigation

Two critical elements in any aviation disaster investigation are aircraft debris and the flight recorders, commonly known as black boxes. In the case of AI171, both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered.

These recorders are engineered to withstand extreme conditions — including high-impact crashes, fires, and submersion — and are painted bright orange for visibility in wreckage.

• The CVR captures cockpit audio, including pilot conversations, alarm sounds, engine noise, and switch clicks, recording the final two hours of communication.
• The FDR, on the other hand, logs hundreds of flight parameters such as altitude, speed, engine thrust, flap positions, and autopilot activity, among others.

Investigators will cross-reference data from both devices with inputs from Air Traffic Control (ATC), airport personnel, security and fire officials, and the lone survivor, as well as family members of the deceased crew, to reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.

Focus on Possible Double-Engine Failure

Preliminary analysis suggests a rare double-engine failure at an altitude of just 650 feet, making it one of the lowest-altitude twin-engine failures in aviation history. However, investigators caution that definitive conclusions may take time, as all evidence must be meticulously validated.

The AI171 crash, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives, has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, prompting heightened scrutiny of safety protocols, maintenance practices, and regulatory oversight. The final report, once completed, is expected to offer crucial lessons for the industry and possibly lead to broader reforms.