Ahmedabad Plane Crash Investigation: Key Developments and Findings
Tragic Incident Overview
On June 12, 2025, a catastrophic event occurred when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI 171) crashed in the Meghani Nagar region of Ahmedabad. Tragically, all passengers aboard the flight perished, with the exception of one survivor. The aircraft was transporting 169 Indian nationals, 53 individuals from the UK, 7 from Portugal, and 1 Canadian citizen. Among the deceased were several medical students from BJ Medical College, including four MBBS students and the wife of a doctor.
DGCA's Immediate Response
Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) promptly sought a report from its field office. They may also issue a 'Show Cause Notice' to the airline if deemed necessary. The DGCA occasionally assembles an investigative team at the initial stage to gather pertinent information. Recently, they issued directives concerning the Air India Dreamliner incident.
NSG's Involvement
The National Security Guard (NSG) team has been actively engaged at the crash site since Friday morning. This team successfully retrieved the black box and continues to examine the area while collaborating with other investigative agencies.
NIA's Findings
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has dismissed any theories of conspiracy or criminal involvement in the Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad airport. Sources indicate that an NIA team inspected the site and, with assistance from local law enforcement, found no evidence of foul play. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is also conducting its own investigation following the incident.
Evidence Collection by Gujarat ATS
On Friday, the Gujarat ATS recovered a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the wreckage near the B.J. Medical College hostel. An ATS officer informed the media, "This DVR was discovered in the debris. The Forensic Science Lab (FSL) team will be arriving shortly." The DVR is crucial as it records and stores video footage from CCTV cameras.
Forensic Team's Role
A group of forensic specialists was dispatched to the Gandhinagar site to gather evidence. This nine-member team is tasked with investigating the area, and samples have been sent to the laboratory for analysis. The Gujarat ATS is also present to assist in the investigation.
Insights from the Black Box
The black box has been successfully retrieved. Located at the tail of the aircraft, its identification was made on the first day, but it was only recovered on Friday. The black box comprises two robust devices, designed to endure extreme conditions during an aircraft accident. Every commercial aircraft is equipped with two black boxes:
Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – This device logs the aircraft's altitude, speed, engine performance, flight direction, and other technical metrics.
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – This records conversations among pilots, radio communications, warning signals, and other sounds within the cockpit.
These recordings will provide insights into whether the pilots issued a 'Mayday call', attempted to regain control of the aircraft, or received any alerts regarding technical failures.