Second black box recovered as runway thrust issue emerges in Air India Flight AI 171 crash

Authorities have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—the second black box—from the wreckage of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 that crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 274 people including 33 on the ground.

The recovery of both the CVR and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) marks a critical milestone in understanding the cockpit dynamics before the disaster.

Simultaneously, new air traffic control (ATC) records indicate the Dreamliner used nearly the entire 3.5 km runway during takeoff, raising early concerns about potential engine thrust issues.

ATC noted that the aircraft “exhausted” the full runway length before achieving liftoff—an observation considered abnormal for a Boeing 787 and now central to investigators’ focus.

Investigators, including India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with support from the U.S. NTSB and Boeing technical teams, are prioritizing analysis of engine performance, flap settings, and landing gear position—all recorded digitally in the Flight Data Recorder.

The CVR is expected to reveal cockpit conversations, alarms, and ambient sounds that may further clarify whether the crew reported any technical anomalies before the aircraft crashed into a hostel near BJ Medical College.

The CVR was secured after officials, including PK Mishra—Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister—visited the crash site and hospital to oversee rescue and identification efforts.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that preliminary maintenance checks have begun across Air India’s 787 fleet, focusing on takeoff parameters, engine hydraulics, and flight control systems.

The aircraft, registered VT‑ANB and delivered in 2014, issued a mayday call at around 650 ft altitude, as captured by CCTV footage and ADS‑B data.

The landing gear appeared to remain extended during the climb, and the nose pitched up before an abrupt descent—just 33 seconds after takeoff—ending in the crash site and inferno that claimed all onboard except one British-Indian survivor.

Recovery teams have handed over 14 sets of remains to grieving families so far, with DNA-based identification ongoing. Structural inspections continue at the crash site, guided by directives from Prime Minister Modi and central health authorities