The recent crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, near Ahmedabad has once again highlighted the critical role of black boxes in aviation investigations. These devices help uncover the exact causes behind such tragedies and improve future flight safety.

What is a Black Box?
Despite the name, black boxes are bright orange to aid recovery after a crash. Each aircraft carries two: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Both are designed to survive extreme conditions, including fire, water pressure, and high-impact crashes.

What Do They Record?
The FDR captures thousands of flight parameters including altitude, speed, engine performance, and flight path data. The CVR records cockpit audio such as pilot conversations, alarms, and radio transmissions. Together, they offer a second-by-second reconstruction of events.

Role in the AI-171 Crash Investigation
In the case of AI-171, which crashed shortly after takeoff at just 625 feet altitude, the black box will help determine if the cause was mechanical failure, bird strike, fire, or human error. It will reveal the nature of the MAYDAY call, system alerts, and pilot response. Investigators will decode the memory modules and cross-check the data with radar and ATC records.

Conclusion
Black boxes serve as aviation’s most reliable source of truth, much like DNA in criminal cases. Their insights not only solve crash mysteries but also drive long-term improvements in aircraft design, safety protocols, and pilot training—ultimately making air travel safer for all.