The preliminary investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash has brought renewed attention to the role of Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), commonly referred to as “black boxes.” These critical devices have helped shed light on the crash sequence, even as concerns are being raised over how the probe is being conducted.

The black boxes recovered from the crash site recorded both flight data and cockpit audio. One of the devices was found on June 13, a day after the crash, heavily damaged and lying atop a building. It showed signs of impact and heat damage, with burnt connectors and exposed wires. The second recorder was recovered three days later near another building, still attached to its equipment shelf.

Both devices were transferred to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lab in Delhi on June 24. Using an identical EAFR unit known as a “Golden Chassis” and download cables provided by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigators were able to retrieve the stored data.

According to the AAIB, the black boxes contained about 49 hours of flight data covering six flights, including the crash. The cockpit voice recorder had captured two hours of audio, including the final moments of the doomed flight.

Following the release of the preliminary report, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) voiced its concerns about how the investigation is being handled. In a public statement, ALPA’s president Captain Sam Thomas said the union was “surprised at the secrecy surrounding these investigations” and alleged that “suitably qualified personnel were not taken on board for the probe.”

The union criticised what it described as a premature presumption of pilot error. “We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots, and we strongly object to this line of thought,” the statement read.

ALPA India also called on the authorities to allow the union to join the investigation process, even if only in the role of observers, to help ensure greater transparency.

Air India 171 crash | Credit: X

A key moment from the cockpit voice recording was highlighted in the preliminary report. Just seconds after take-off, one pilot is heard asking the other, “Why did you do the cut off?”—referring to the transition of both engine fuel switches from RUN to CUTOFF, which led to fuel starvation. The second pilot replied, “I didn’t.”

The report does not clarify which of the two pilots made each statement. This uncertainty, coupled with the union’s claims, has further complicated the public perception of the investigation's fairness.

As the investigation moves forward, the role of flight data, cockpit audio, and transparent processes will remain crucial in identifying the cause of the crash. While the black boxes have revealed significant details, questions about the accountability process and participation of stakeholders like ALPA India continue to be raised.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.