Govt says no decision yet on sending black boxes of Air India's crashed plane abroad for decoding

IANS June 19, 2025 429 views

The Civil Aviation Ministry clarified no decision has been made yet on sending the AI171 black boxes abroad for analysis. The AAIB will determine the decoding location after evaluating technical and safety factors. Two sets of flight recorders were recovered from the crash site, with NTSB and OEM teams assisting the probe. The ministry stressed transparency while urging against speculation on the ongoing investigation.

"The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment." – Ministry of Civil Aviation
Govt says no decision yet on sending black boxes of Air India's crashed plane abroad for decoding
New Delhi, June 19: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday clarified that no decision has been taken as yet on sending abroad the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) of the crashed AI171 flight for retrieval and analysis.

Key Points

1

Ministry denies reports of black boxes being sent abroad

2

AAIB to decide decoding location after technical review

3

Two sets of black boxes recovered from AI171 crash site

4

NTSB and OEM teams assisting investigation as per ICAO norms

"It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis. The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations," a ministry statement said.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation urged all stakeholders "to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants".

A combined unit of the DFDR and the CVR was recovered from the crash site on June 13 - the day after the crash, and another set was found on June 16. This model of aircraft has two black box sets, the statement said.

The Ministry remains committed to full transparency relating to the ongoing investigation and will follow all mandated protocols and norms, in the larger interest of the highest standards of passenger safety and convenience, according to the statement.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau investigation into the devastating Air India crash is progressing steadily with all necessary support from local authorities and agencies. Key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now underway, the statement explained.

A multi-disciplinary team from AAIB commenced an investigation into the crash, which occurred on June 12. The investigation has been ordered by the DG, AAIB. NTSB and OEM teams have arrived to assist the AAIB as per ICAO protocols, according to the official statement.

The ministry emphasised the importance of working together as a cohesive and responsive team to uphold passenger trust and bring operational stability, which has been a cornerstone of Indian aviation over the years.

The Government is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety across all facets of civil aviation. Passenger safety and comfort is the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the statement added.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Safety should be our top priority, not politics. If sending black boxes abroad means faster and more accurate analysis, we should do it. Families deserve answers quickly. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Why can't we analyze the black boxes in India itself? We have capable experts and technology. Always depending on foreign countries shows lack of confidence in our own systems.
A
Amit S.
The ministry is right to take time for this decision. Black box data is extremely sensitive - both technically and strategically. Rushing could compromise the investigation.
N
Neha T.
My cousin was on that flight 😢 Please don't delay the investigation process. Every day without answers is painful for families. Whatever gives fastest results should be done.
S
Sanjay V.
The media should stop speculating and let experts do their job. Remember how false reports created panic during previous accidents? Responsible journalism please!
K
Kavita R.
If we're serious about 'Make in India', we should invest in creating world-class aviation investigation facilities here. This dependence on foreign labs needs to end.
V
Vikram J.
While transparency is important, we must also consider national security aspects. Some flight data could be sensitive. Hope AAIB makes the right call balancing all factors.

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Tags:
Air India crash AI171 black box cockpit voice recorder flight data recorder AAIB investigation aviation safety