A black box has been found at the site of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India's civil aviation minister said on Friday. The flight data recorder was recovered within 28 hours by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed. All but one of the 242 people on the London-bound flight died when it crashed into a residential area less than 60 seconds after take-off on Thursday. An official told the BBC that at least eight people on the ground were also killed. "The [recovery of the black box] marks an important step forward in the investigation" and will "significantly aid the inquiry" into the disaster, Mr Kinjarapu said. Planes usually carry two black boxes - small but tough electronic data recorders. One records flight data, such as altitude and speed. The other records sound from the cockpit, so investigators can hear what the pilots are saying and listen for any unusual noises. AAIB is leading the inquiry into the cause of the crash, helped by teams from the US and UK. Boeing's chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, said the company was supporting the investigation. Air India said there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft when it crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT). It was scheduled to land at London's Gatwick airport at 18:25 BST. On Friday, the wreckage was still scattered across the crash site, including the blackened wing of the plane, with large pieces of the aircraft stuck in buildings. Investigators arrived at the scene and crowds were moved further away from the wreckage. A doctor told the BBC that they are relying on DNA from relatives to identify the victims. A police official at the post-mortem room told the BBC that the remains of six people had been released to families so far, as their relatives were able to identify them based on facial features. The sole survivor of the crash, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was in seat 11A on the flight, is still recovering in hospital. "I still cannot believe how I made it out alive,"he told India's state broadcaster DD Newson Thursday. "At first, I thought I was going to die. I managed to open my eyes, unfastened my seat belt and tried to exit the plane." Mr Ramesh, 40, who sustained burn injuries on his left hand, said he saw the aircraft crew and its passengers die in front of his eyes. Meanwhile, desperate families are still waiting for news of their relatives. Imtiaz Ali, whose brother Javed and his family were on the flight, said that until he sees his brother's body, he will not believe he has died. "If I get sad and start crying, then I'll be uncontrollable," he told the BBC. "No-one will be able to stop me... my heart might burst." The plane crashed in a residential area called Meghani Nagar and, even though it had just taken off, the impact was severe. Wreckage spread over 200m (656ft), according to responders. It is still unclear exactly how many were killed on the ground, but the BBC has been told that at least eight people, who were not on the aircraft, have died. Dr Minakshi Parikh, the dean of the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, said four of their students died as the plane crashed into buildings on the campus. "There were also four relatives of our doctors who were on the campus when the aircraft crashed - they too were killed," Dr Parikh said. "We are relying only on DNA matching to identify them and it is something where we simply cannot rush or afford mistakes. "We are working with sincerity. We want relatives to understand, and be a bit patient. We want to hand over [the bodies] as soon as possible." On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent around 20 minutes at the site of the plane crash. He did not speak to reporters afterwards but a video posted on his YouTube channel showed him walking around the site and inspecting the debris. Modi also visited the location of a now-viral image that shows the tail of the crashed plane lodged in a building. Earlier on Friday, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson also went to the crash site, later describing the visit as "deeply moving". According to data by tracking website, Flightradar24, the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 had completed more than 700 flights in the year leading up to the Thursday's disaster. The Air India plane was 11 years old and its most common routes included flights between Mumbai and Dubai, as well as the capital New Delhi and European destinations such as Milan, Paris and Amsterdam. The plane had operated 25 flights from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick in the past two years.
Black box found at Air India crash site as families wait for answers
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Recovery of Black Box at Air India Crash Site Aids Investigation"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A black box has been successfully recovered from the site of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, according to India's civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu. The flight data recorder was retrieved within 28 hours of the incident by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The tragic crash occurred shortly after take-off, resulting in the deaths of 241 out of the 242 passengers and crew aboard, while also claiming the lives of at least eight individuals on the ground. The black box is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation, which is supported by teams from the United States and the United Kingdom. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was on a scheduled flight from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick Airport when it crashed into a residential area, scattering wreckage over a wide area and causing significant destruction to nearby buildings.
The aftermath of the crash has left families in anguish as they await news about their loved ones. Among the survivors is British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who managed to escape the wreckage but suffered burns and trauma from the event. Families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the loss, with some expressing disbelief and desperation until they can see the remains of their relatives. As the investigation unfolds, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson visited the crash site, reflecting on the tragedy. The identification of the deceased is being handled with care, relying on DNA matching to ensure accuracy, as many victims remain unidentified. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly surrounding the age and maintenance history of the aircraft, which had completed numerous flights prior to the disaster. Investigators continue to work diligently to uncover the causes behind this catastrophic event and provide answers to the grieving families.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed account of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, focusing on the recovery of the black box and the tragic loss of life. This incident is significant not only for the victims' families but also for the aviation industry and the broader community seeking answers.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The recovery of the black box is presented as a crucial step in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the crash's cause. The presence of teams from the US and UK suggests international cooperation, which may foster trust in the investigation's integrity. However, it also raises questions about the thoroughness of domestic agencies in handling such crises.
Public Perception and Emotional Impact
The article highlights the emotional turmoil faced by the families of the victims, creating a sense of urgency in the quest for answers. By detailing the number of nationalities aboard the flight, it aims to resonate with a diverse audience, possibly fostering a collective mourning. This approach may also serve to humanize the tragedy, moving beyond mere statistics to individual stories of loss.
Potential Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the article provides information about the crash and the immediate aftermath, it does not delve into potential systemic issues within Air India or the aviation sector that might have contributed to the incident. There may be an intention to avoid controversy regarding airline safety or regulatory shortcomings, which could be a sensitive topic in the public discourse surrounding aviation safety.
Manipulative Aspects and Reliability
The article’s framing of the investigation and the recovery efforts may suggest a narrative of accountability, but it could also be seen as a method to deflect blame from the airline or regulatory authorities. The language used is factual yet emotionally charged, aiming to generate empathy while steering clear of deeper critiques. This raises questions about the reliability of the reporting, as it may selectively present information to shape public opinion.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other aviation-related news, this article fits into a broader pattern of reporting on tragedies that highlight human suffering and the quest for accountability. It may not stand alone but rather be part of an ongoing conversation about air travel safety and regulatory practices.
Broader Implications
The crash could impact public confidence in Air India and potentially affect stock prices or market perceptions of the airline industry in India. As families seek justice and answers, there may be calls for increased scrutiny of aviation safety regulations, which could lead to policy changes affecting the industry as a whole.
Community Support and Target Audience
This article is likely to resonate with individuals and families affected by aviation tragedies, aviation professionals, and a broader audience concerned with safety. It speaks to those seeking transparency and accountability in air travel, aiming to build solidarity among diverse communities grieving the loss of lives.
Financial Market Reactions
Investors may closely monitor Air India's response to this incident and any subsequent regulatory changes. The airline's stock could be influenced by public sentiment and the findings of the investigation, which are critical for maintaining investor confidence.
The article reflects a significant event with potential implications for the aviation industry, public safety, and regulatory frameworks. While it provides essential information, the framing and emotional tone suggest a deliberate effort to shape public perception, raising questions about the completeness and potential biases in the reporting.