National News: In the wake of the devastating crash of Air India’s Dreamliner flight in Ahmedabad, aviation experts have zeroed in on the black box as the key to uncovering the truth. The aircraft, which went down just two minutes after takeoff, has left investigators with few clues — except the vital data inside this device. The black box, also called a flight recorder, is a small yet resilient piece of equipment designed to withstand extreme heat, impact, and water exposure. Despite its name, it is actually bright orange — intentionally made so to be visible amid wreckage. It contains two components: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
How the Black Box Survives Crashes
Made to endure disasters, the black box is insulated with fireproof material and encased in titanium or steel. It is typically installed in the tail section of the aircraft, an area statistically more likely to survive crashes. This design choice is crucial in ensuring that the last moments of the flight are captured intact. In the case of the Ahmedabad crash, retrieving the black box quickly is essential. Investigators from the DGCA and Air Accident Investigation Bureau have already arrived at the site and are combing through debris to locate the device. The faster it’s recovered, the better the chances of extracting undamaged data.
What Does the Black Box Reveal?
The Flight Data Recorder captures critical technical information — such as altitude, speed, heading, and engine performance. The Cockpit Voice Recorder logs the last two hours of conversation between pilots and air traffic control, as well as any ambient sounds inside the cockpit like alarms or emergency commands. This combined data paints a complete picture of the aircraft’s final moments. Was there a mechanical fault? Did human error play a role? Was there any explosion or external force involved? The answers lie inside this digital witness that neither lies nor forgets.
Why It's Still Called a 'Black Box'
Though today’s recorders are orange, the term “black box” stuck from earlier models that were literally black and box-shaped. Over time, as aviation technology evolved, the color changed for better visibility — especially in underwater or night-time crash scenarios. Still, the mystique of the name persists in aviation lore.
India Awaits the Truth
With the nation mourning and questions multiplying, the black box could soon provide some closure. The DGCA has committed to a full-scale investigation, and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned. Families of the victims, and the country at large, now wait in hope that the device will speak.
