A tragic accident occurred yesterday when an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off, hitting a building. So far, 265 people have been confirmed dead.
As the investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) crash begins, attention is now focused on the aircraft’s black box to understand the reason behind the tragedy. But what exactly is a black box, and how does it help in crash investigations?
The black box is a crucial flight recording device that helps experts understand what went wrong during a flight after an accident.
Despite its name, the black box is not black or blue—it’s actually bright orange to make it easier to spot in crash wreckage. It’s built with highly durable materials to survive even the most severe crashes.
Why Is a Black Box Used?
The black box plays a vital role in aviation safety and crash investigations. It helps experts analyze both technical failures and human errors.
After a crash, investigators study the data to identify what led to the accident. These findings are then used to improve aircraft systems and reduce the risk of future crashes.
Two Main Parts of a Black Box
Flight Data Recorder (FDR):
This device stores technical data from the aircraft. It records key information like altitude, speed, engine performance, direction, and control inputs by the pilots.
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR):
This records the audio inside the cockpit. It includes conversations between pilots, communications with air traffic control, and other cockpit sounds like alarms or switch clicks.
Key Features of the Black Box
The black box is usually installed in the rear part of the aircraft. This area has a better chance of surviving a crash, making it easier to recover the device.
It’s made to endure extreme conditions, including high-impact crashes and fires. It is also waterproof and enclosed in a protective case.
Recording capacity:
The CVR can record up to 2 hours of cockpit audio.
The FDR can store 25 hours or more of flight data.
By analyzing both the flight data and cockpit conversations, investigators can uncover the sequence of events that led to a crash.
In this way, the black box is key to understanding air disasters and preventing similar incidents in the future.
