The investigation into the recent runway incident involving Air India Express Flight IX-171 has hit a technical hurdle after one of the aircraft’s black boxes was found to be significantly damaged. Officials familiar with the matter stated that the damage likely occurred due to an impact either during or shortly after the crash.
Sources from the aviation sector revealed that of the two black boxes retrieved—the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—one appears to have sustained more damage than the other. The unit, which holds critical flight parameters, was reportedly discovered outside the aircraft’s main wreckage, suggesting it may have been dislodged due to the force of the crash or subsequent handling.
“While the outer casing has visible dents, the internal memory unit might still be recoverable,” a senior official involved in the investigation said on Thursday. “Efforts are underway to retrieve the data at a certified lab, and if necessary, the device could be sent overseas for advanced data extraction.”
Flight IX-171 had overshot the runway during its landing amid intense rainfall and poor visibility conditions. The aircraft suffered major structural damage, and while there were no fatalities, several passengers sustained injuries. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of airport safety measures during monsoon season.
A joint team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the inquiry. The priority now is to assess how much information can be salvaged from the damaged recorder, as this data will help piece together the final moments before the aircraft lost control on the wet runway.
Black boxes are engineered to endure high-impact crashes, extreme temperatures, and submersion in water. However, investigators acknowledge that physical damage may affect the ability to retrieve complete and accurate information. If local labs are unable to recover the recordings, the device may be sent to international facilities equipped for complex forensic analysis.
In response to the incident, the DGCA has initiated additional safety checks across airports prone to heavy rainfall. Operators of similar aircraft have also been instructed to conduct thorough inspections. Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has assured that every necessary step will be taken to strengthen safety protocols and prevent such occurrences in the future.
Authorities have urged media outlets and the public to avoid premature conclusions until the full investigation is completed. The final report, which will include findings from the black box data, is expected to provide definitive answers regarding the sequence of events and contributing factors.
