Emergency Power Active: Air India Dreamliner Black Box Data Reveals Clues

      Experts inspect the flight data recorder of the crashed Air India Dreamliner, June 2025.

Emergency Power Active: Air India Dreamliner Black Box Data Reveals Clues

By M Muzamil Shami - June 27, 2025

Emergency Power Active: Black Box Data Unlocks Critical Clues in Air India Dreamliner Crash

Ahmedabad, India – In a groundbreaking breakthrough for one of the most devastating air disasters in recent history, Indian investigators, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have successfully downloaded and begun analyzing black box data from the Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner that crashed on June 12, 2025, near Ahmedabad airport—just 30 seconds after takeoff on a London‑bound flight, Flight AI 171, claiming 260 lives (seat 242 occupants onboard plus 19 on the ground) 

Crash Details & Data Recovery

1. The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a hostel at B.J. Medical College, with only one survivor, seated in 11A, who later assisted in local relief efforts 

2. Investigators retrieved the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from roof debris on June 13, and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from wreckage on June 16 

3. On June 25–26, a team led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), aided by the NTSB, successfully downloaded data from the forward recorder 

Investigation Focus & Findings

1. Officials have cited loss of engine thrust after reaching ~650 feet, prompting urgent analysis of engine performance 

2. Preliminary reports—including from the Wall Street Journal and Hindustan Times—indicate that the aircraft’s emergency-power system, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), was active at the time of the crash. This strongly suggests both engines may have failed or hydraulic pressure dropped dramatically 

3. The activation of RAT—a backup generator that engages if engine power is lost or hydraulic systems fail—signals serious in-flight malfunction 

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Delays, Scrutiny & Global Concerns

1. Experts describe the roughly two-week delay in downloading black box data as unusually long, stirring suspicions about potential transmission of the devices abroad for analysis 

2. India has rejected ICAO’s offer of a UN investigator, citing no requirement for external observers. However, critics argue greater transparency is essential. A comprehensive preliminary report is expected within 30 days 

Multinational Collaboration & Aviation Safety

1. The probe involves a global team: AAIB leads, with support from NTSB, FAA, UK CAA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace

2. GE, which built both the Dreamliner’s engines and recorders, dispatched specialists to India

3. India unveiled a ₹9 crore ($1.1M) black‑box lab at AAIB’s New Delhi HQ in April 2025, though heavy recorder damage may require chip extraction and manual reconstruction—sometimes performed abroad

4. U.S. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse urge swift declassification of findings to bolster global aviation safety

Air India Fleet Checks & Aftermath

1. Following the accident, India’s Civil Aviation Ministry ordered inspections of the entire Air India Boeing 787 fleet, citing maintenance lapses in scheduling and emergency equipment checks

2. Air India canceled nearly 83 wide‑body flights, but gradually resumed international operations. The airline announced a 15% reduction in long-haul routes, pending deeper safety audits

3. Investigations into other Boeing issues—like the 2024 MAX 9 emergency door plug failure—have already cost Boeing ~$40 billion in market value and intensified regulatory scrutiny

What Happens Next?

1. Data decoding & analysis continues, including detailed study of engine thrust, flap positions, hydraulic systems, pilot communications, and emergency protocols.

2. A 30‑day preliminary report will likely surface, outlining probable causes, crew actions, and mechanical failures.

3. A comprehensive final report—covering safety recommendations and long-term industry impact—could take up to 12 months.

4. Outcomes may trigger groundings, fleet revisions, or international regulatory changes in Boeing 787 maintenance and Airbus/Boeing certification standards.

FAQs

Q: What is the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?
A: A small, deployable propeller that generates electricity/hydraulic pressure if both engines fail or hydraulic systems drop below safe levels—RAT activation indicates serious in-flight power loss.

Q: Why was there a delay in downloading black box data?
A: India's AAIB said legal and technical assessments influenced timing, but experts note such delays are atypical given the crash's global attention.

Q: Could the black box be sent abroad for data recovery?
A: AAIB stated India has capacity, yet officials revealed heavy damage might necessitate chip extraction—possibly in U.S. NTSB labs—under global oversight.

Q: When will investigators reveal what's behind the crash?
A: Expect a 30-day preliminary report, with a full, detailed final report likely within 12 months.

Let us know your thoughts: What do you believe is the core cause behind the sudden loss of thrust? Share your comments below—the public voice matters!

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