In a tragic Air India Boeing 787 incident in Ahmedabad, over 265 lives have been lost, including 241 passengers and 24 students residing in a medical college hostel. This catastrophe has resonated globally, prompting experts worldwide to investigate the reasons behind the crash of this previously unbeaten aircraft. The incident has raised concerns about Boeing's reliability, prompting the company to focus intensely on resolving this mystery, with the black box as the key.
The black box from the Air India flight was recovered 28 hours post-crash, and now its analysis will shed light on the cause of the accident. Whenever such air disasters occur worldwide, standard operating procedures are followed. Authorities from countries connected to the incident will conduct investigations into the Ahmedabad crash.
DGCA Issues Guidelines
Questions regarding the Boeing 787 have arisen following the Ahmedabad crash. Consequently, the DGCA has mandated Indian airline companies to intensify safety inspections, especially for those possessing Boeing 787 models. The new directive requires pre-departure checks, including fuel parameter monitoring, cabin pressure verification, and engine control assessments, alongside daily reviews of hydraulic systems and takeoff standards. Following the crash, DGCA places the Boeing 787 Dreamliner under strict scrutiny, preparing for comprehensive evaluation.
Source: aajtak
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How many agencies will investigate the plane crash?
The Air India crash investigation will involve agencies from India, the UK, and the USA. In India, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) will lead the inquiry. The crash involved the 'Boeing 787 Dreamliner', an American aircraft, so the US National Transportation Safety Board will also participate. The flight's destination was Gatwick, UK, carrying 53 British citizens, thus involving the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch too.
Agencies Target Crash Analysis
Investigation agencies primarily aim to uncover accurate crash causes, free from inter-agency blame. Their reports focus solely on identifying reasons to prevent future mishaps. Analysis of the black box data, including decryption of voice recordings and integration with FDR data, will elucidate the crash causes.
Source: aajtak
12-Month Deadline for Final Report
Agencies will gather diverse information — radar data, ATC communications, flight trajectory, maintenance history, pilot qualifications and training, and Air India's operational protocols. Further, they will examine the crash site debris, query ATC officials, and the maintenance crew. Assessing weather conditions, pilot health, and security footage will be part of the extensive review. The preliminary report will be available within 30 days and the final report within 12 months.
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Aviation Experts Speak Out
Numerous perspectives have emerged regarding the Air India accident. Aviation experts have analyzed Boeing's shortcomings and the Ahmedabad crash visuals to offer various assessments. Based on crash imagery, former Air India pilot Captain N.K. Berry speculates inadequate fuel delivery to the engine, causing a lack of thrust, as a potential reason. With over 30 years at Air India and 20,000 flight hours, Captain Berry provides valuable insight.
Source: aajtak
'Lift Loss' Theory
Former US pilot Captain Steve, experienced with Boeing 777 aircraft, suggested the crash resulted from 'lift loss' or impaired ascent. He noted wing flap positions during takeoff via video analysis, indicating decreased lift.
Source: aajtak
Also Read -
Comprehensive safety checks for all Air India Boeing Dreamliners enforced by DGCA
Understanding the Black Box
- The black box, striking in its orange hue, records cockpit conversations between pilots and air traffic control, as well as inter-pilot dialogues.
- Positioned at the aircraft's tail, the black box of the crash-involved plane was discovered lodged within a building in Ahmedabad's mishap.
- Renowned for resilience, the black box endures heat up to 1100°C, remains waterproof for prolonged periods, and is resistant to physical damage. Moreover, it features an underwater beacon for ocean retrieval.
- Inside, it contains the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The CVR captures exchanges with the crew and ATC, while the FDR logs data on speed, altitude, direction, engine behavior, and fuel levels.
