Air India flight AI-171 crash investigation: RAT, CVR, FDR explained

On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. The incident, which claimed 274 lives, has sparked widespread discussion about aviation safety and technical systems like the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). 

The Squirrels explains these critical components and their role in the ongoing Air India AI-171 crash investigation, shedding light on how they help uncover the truth behind such disasters.

Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

The RAT is an emergency power source on aircraft like the Boeing 787-8. Tucked inside the wing or fuselage, this small turbine deploys during critical failures, such as engine power loss, to generate electricity or hydraulic power. It powers essential systems like navigation and flight controls, buying pilots time to manage emergencies.

Social media posts on X suggest the RAT deployed on AI-171, indicating a possible dual engine failure—a rare and severe issue. While the RAT can’t fix engine loss, it’s a vital lifeline in crises.

Role of Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

Often called part of the “black box,” the CVR is a bright orange device that records cockpit audio, including pilot conversations, radio calls, and warning sounds. As per NTSB guidelines, modern CVRs store 25 hours of audio for large aircraft. For the AI-171 crash, the CVR was recovered, as confirmed by an X post. It will reveal what the pilots discussed during the critical moments—did they mention engine issues or RAT deployment?

This data, though sensitive and typically kept confidential, is crucial for understanding crew actions in the Air India AI-171 crash probe.

How Flight Data Recorder (FDR) aids investigation

The FDR, the other half of the “black box,” logs detailed flight data, such as altitude, speed, and engine performance. For a Boeing 787, it tracks over 88 parameters, often thousands.

Recovered alongside the CVR, the FDR will show AI-171’s exact behaviour before the crash. Was there a sudden engine failure? Did the landing gear fail to retract, as speculated on X?

Built to survive extreme conditions, the FDR is key to reconstructing the tragedy.

Ongoing probe into AI-171

India’s DGCA, the FAA, and the NTSB are leading the investigation into the Air India AI-171 crash. Social media theories point to dual engine failure or a stuck landing gear, with some posts noting a delayed liftoff and poor climb.

However, only the CVR and FDR data will confirm these ideas. The investigation aims to pinpoint whether mechanical, human, or environmental factors caused the crash, ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies.

Why these systems matter

The RAT, CVR, and FDR are more than technical jargon—they’re tools for safety and truth. The RAT provides emergency power, while the CVR and FDR offer critical clues for investigators.

As the Air India AI-171 crash investigation continues, these systems will help honour the 274 lives lost by uncovering the cause and improving aviation safety.