Families of the Air India Flight AI‑171 crash victims have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the immediate release of the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data. They seek clarity on the accident’s cause due to ongoing frustration with the investigation’s pace and communication levels from authorities and the airline.
Access to the black box recordings is deemed “extremely important” by the families to uncover the truth about the Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, with only one survivor.
The families emphasized the necessity of understanding the crash’s cause and any potential technical issues. They requested that if the data cannot be publicly released, it should at least be shared directly with affected families. The letter is currently being prepared for submission to the Prime Minister and other relevant officials.
Participants in a recent meeting highlighted unresolved concerns about the investigation and support from Air India and the Tata Group. They expressed difficulties in communication, with calls often unanswered and limited communication through email, which they found inaccessible to all. The families stressed the importance of a dedicated contact number or improved support system, especially for those unfamiliar with email usage.
