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In a major step forward in the investigation into the tragic Air India crash earlier this month, officials confirmed on Thursday that data from both black boxes has been successfully recovered and is now under analysis. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI 171, crashed just 36 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board and 34 on the ground. The breakthrough gives investigators critical tools to reconstruct what went wrong in those final moments.

The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), severely damaged in the crash, were recovered from the rooftop of a hostel and the aircraft debris. Despite concerns that the data might be unrecoverable, specialists at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in Delhi managed to extract and download the crash-protection and memory modules. The FDR contains data on altitude, speed, and engine metrics, while the CVR captures cockpit audio, crew interactions, and emergency alerts—vital information for determining what triggered the disaster.

Among the critical questions investigators hope the CVR will answer is whether Captain Sabharwal sent a full distress message citing engine failure. The government confirmed the pilot broadcast a mayday call moments before impact, and there are unverified reports that he also mentioned a total loss of power and thrust. If those words are confirmed on the CVR, attention may turn sharply toward a possible dual-engine malfunction or a catastrophic systems failure.

Theories surrounding the cause of the crash currently focus on the suspected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup device triggered during engine or hydraulic system failures. Video footage appears to support this scenario. Air India, meanwhile, stated the aircraft was up to date with safety checks and had recently undergone engine replacements and inspections.

The crash has sparked broader concerns over civil aviation safety in India. A parliamentary committee is set to meet next week to examine systemic weaknesses in aircraft maintenance and oversight. Sources indicate that Boeing representatives, Air India officials, and government regulators will be questioned about operational standards and the increasing number of aviation incidents, including helicopter accidents.

As the analysis of the black box data continues, families of victims and industry experts alike await answers. The outcome of this investigation could shape future safety regulations and accountability in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.