On June 12, flight AI171, flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick of Air India, fell victim to a serious accident. Within a few seconds, the aircraft collided with a medical hostel building within a few seconds. The preliminary report released by the Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (AAIB) on Saturday has revealed the details of the technical and human reasons for this tragedy.

Engine failure caused by fuel control disturbances

According to the AAIB report, both engines of modern aircraft like Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost power as soon as they flew. The reason for this was – the closure of the fuel control switch of the aircraft. This stopped the engine and was out of the aircraft control.

Signs of pilot conversation from black box

According to the cockpit voice recorder obtained from the black box, there was a fierce conversation between the pilots in the final moments of the flight. A pilot said, “Why did you stop the fuel?”, On which the second pilot’s answer was, “I did not do it.” This dialogue shows that technical flaw or human error gave rise to crisis.

Black Box: Witness to the truth of the accident

Black box, which includes cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, is the main tool to know the truth after a plane crash. These recorders occur in the back of the aircraft, which is considered the safest area. Their color is orange so that they can be easily discovered in debris.

Black box development

In the 1930s, French engineer François Hussonot developed technology to record flight data, while in 1950 Australian scientist David Warren put up the idea of the Cockpit Voice Records. The discoveries of these two laid the foundation of the modern aircraft safety system.

How do recorders work?

Cockpit Voice Records (CVR): It records sounds like pilot’s voice, radio contact, engine noise, and warning alarm. With this, investigators can know when the engine stopped or what the system indicated.

Flight Data Recorder (FDR): It records more than 1,000 indicators such as height, speed, direction, flap position and alarm. The accident is analyzed by making an animated video from this data.

Why was the name ‘Black Box’?

Although these recorders are orange colored, the name ‘Black Box’ was named because the films used in the old times used to run in dark compartments. Some people also believe that they become black when burning, due to which the name came into vogue.