Air India 171 Crash: Black Box Analysis Sparks Debate Between India and U.S. Agencies

Air India Crash: Families Await Clarity as India and U.S. Disagree Over Black Box Analysis

New Delhi, June 20, 2025. More than a week has passed since the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, yet grieving families are still waiting for answers. Now, a new concern has emerged: who should analyze the flight’s black boxes, India’s newly developed lab or the experienced U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)?

What Happened in the Air India AI171 Crash?

On June 12, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the loss of 241 passengers and crew members. Early reports suggest that a potential dual engine failure occurred, but no official cause has been confirmed yet.

The answers lie inside two critical devices the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black boxes where all the information of flight data including cockpit voice is recorded and stored It is a crucial device to find what exact reason for the cause of AI141 crash.

The Black Box Debate: India vs U.S. Analysis:

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) now faces a decision: whether to analyze the black boxes domestically using its new decoding lab, or send them to the U.S.-based NTSB for deeper investigation.

While India’s decoding facility was launched in 2024 to boost local capabilities, this is its first major international test. Aviation experts remain divided. Some emphasize India’s growing independence in aviation safety, while others highlight the urgency and experience the NTSB brings.

“The families need closure. We don’t want delays or errors. We just want the truth,” said Priya Verma, who lost her father in the crash.

Government Response:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the decision will be “purely technical” and based on feasibility. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also involved in the ongoing safety audit of Air India’s fleet.
"Officials added that transparency and credibility will be prioritized, regardless of where the decoding takes place".

Public Trust and Aviation Safety:

This crash and the handling of its investigation have put India’s aviation safety systems under global scrutiny. The decision over the black box analysis will not only determine the cause of the AI171 disaster but may also shape public confidence in Air India and the country’s regulatory strength.

Stay Updated with Aviation Buster

We are closely monitoring the AI171 investigation and broader Air India developments. For verified aviation news and alerts, follow us on our Telegram channel.