In a significant development following the tragic Air India crash, India’s newly appointed Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the nation for the first time. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the minister confirmed that the black box data is being decoded, and preliminary findings could offer clarity on what caused the fatal accident that claimed the lives of over 270 people in Ahmedabad.
Black Box Data Being Decoded at AAIB Facility
The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) – together referred to as the black boxes – were recovered by emergency crews shortly after the Air India flight AI-219 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “The black box data is being decoded at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lab, and we are closely coordinating with global experts to ensure a thorough investigation.”
According to ministry sources, both the FDR and CVR are intact and were transported under high security to New Delhi for forensic analysis. The recordings are expected to reveal crucial information such as engine parameters, altitude shifts, cockpit communication, and possible warning signals that might have been triggered moments before the crash.
Air India Crash Probe Intensifies
The Air India crash on June 13, 2025, has left the nation in shock, with over 270 fatalities including passengers, crew members, and civilians on the ground – among them five young medical students. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, lost altitude and crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff.
While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, preliminary reports suggest a possible engine malfunction or system failure. The data being extracted from the black box is expected to confirm or challenge these early assessments.
Minister Naidu stated that the investigation team will release an interim report once the black box decoding is complete, followed by a detailed analysis that may take several weeks.
Boeing 787 Fleet Under Scrutiny
Following the Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated emergency inspections of India’s Boeing 787 fleet, especially those equipped with GEnx engines. The government has also ordered airlines to conduct additional safety checks on takeoff systems, engine control units, and flight management computers.
This swift action aligns with Minister Ram Mohan Naidu’s statement during the press briefing: “Passenger safety is paramount. We are working with both national and international agencies to ensure that similar incidents are never repeated.”
International Experts Join Investigation
The investigation has garnered global attention. Aviation safety agencies from the United States, United Kingdom, and France – including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing engineers – are actively collaborating with Indian authorities. The international partnership is expected to speed up the process of black box decoding and provide additional insights into systemic or design issues, if any.
Minister Naidu confirmed that the team from Boeing has already submitted initial technical documents, and further support is expected in the coming days.
Families Await Answers as Survivor Recovers
In the aftermath of the crash, DNA identification of victims is ongoing, while families mourn and demand answers. The lone survivor, a British national seated near the emergency exit, has provided a partial account of the events and is currently recovering under intensive care.
As the black box data is being decoded, it is likely to either validate his version of events or provide a more comprehensive view of the flight’s final moments. For many families, the black box holds the final, painful answers.
What to Expect Next
With the black box decoding now underway and the Air India crash probe moving forward at a fast pace, the government has assured complete transparency. The interim report is expected within three weeks, with a full report to follow.
Until then, all eyes remain on the Aviation Ministry, the DGCA, and the technical experts analyzing one of the most tragic air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu’s first briefing not only brought facts to the forefront but also reinforced the government’s resolve to ensure air safety at every level.
