Black box recovered from Air India crash that killed 241 and others on the ground

     Ahmedabad, June 14 – Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder from the Air India flight that crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing 241 people on board and at least five others on the ground. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, striking a medical college hostel and bursting into flames.

The black box, which contains crucial flight data, was found on a rooftop near the crash site. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that analysis of the recorder is already underway.

Experts say the flight recorder will help determine whether the crash was due to engine failure, incorrect wing flap settings, or other technical or human errors. Paul Fromme, a UK-based aerospace engineer, said it should offer early insights into what went wrong after takeoff. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti added that basic facts—such as loss of engine power or incorrect data input—could be confirmed within a week if the recorder is intact.

In response to the crash, India’s aviation regulator has ordered Air India to conduct inspections of its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with General Electric’s GEnx engines. These checks will cover systems like fuel, engine control, hydraulics, and cabin air.

Modi visits lone survivor, meets victims' families

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the crash site and met with victims’ families on Friday, described the tragedy as heartbreaking. He also met the lone survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, in the hospital. Ramesh recounted how the plane failed to gain height after takeoff and crashed into a building. He managed to escape after the side of the plane broke open near his seat.

"I still can't believe I’m alive," he told the national broadcaster.

Recovery and investigation efforts ongoing

Search and recovery operations continue at the crash site, one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent history. Many of the bodies recovered were severely burned, and authorities are using DNA testing for identification. Four students from the hostel were confirmed dead, and at least 30 others are hospitalized—four in critical condition.

U.S. investigators from the NTSB, FAA, Boeing, and General Electric are assisting in the probe, under the supervision of Indian authorities to maintain the independence of the investigation.

Professor Graham Braithwaite of Cranfield University noted the goal of the multinational team is to learn from the tragedy and prevent future accidents.

Witnesses describe horror

Locals near the crash site were among the first to respond, helping rescue passengers and students. "It was all smoke and fire," said resident Indrajeet Singh Solanki. "We just tried to save as many people as we could."

Bomb threat delays separate Air India flight in Thailand

In a separate incident, Air India flight AI 379 from Phuket to New Delhi was delayed after a bomb threat was found written inside a lavatory shortly after takeoff on Friday. The plane returned to Phuket, and all 156 passengers were safely evacuated. Authorities found nothing suspicious after a thorough inspection, and the flight resumed later in the day, minus one passenger who chose not to reboard.