Air India Plane Crash: Investigators Recover Cockpit Voice Recorder Amid Ongoing Investigation

Relatives of the 279 victims of last week's Air India plane crash are still awaiting the results of DNA testing to identify their loved ones, while investigators prepare to study the pilots' last words for clues. The cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the wreckage on Sunday, after the Indian authorities located the second black box, which also contained the flight data recorder. The investigation, led by Indian officials with assistance from the UK and US, has been focusing on possible engine failure, wing flap issues, and landing gear problems.

Key Takeaways:

• The cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the wreckage on Sunday, containing the pilots' last words before the crash.
• The investigation is led by Indian officials with assistance from the UK and US, and is focusing on engine failure, wing flap issues, and landing gear problems.
• Most relatives of the 279 known victims are still waiting for results of DNA testing before health officials can return the bodies of their loved ones.
• About 80 of the deceased had been identified by late Sunday, according to a doctor at Ahmedabad's civil hospital, Rajnish Patel.
• Air India's chairman, N Chandrasekaran, has urged employees to be resolute in the face of criticism and to use the crash as an opportunity to improve safety.
• An Air India 787 bound for New Delhi from Hong Kong turned back as a precautionary measure on Monday after the pilot suspected a technical issue.
• Boeing has scaled back its presence at the Paris airshow and cancelled a media reception on Monday, while sending a team to Ahmedabad to offer assistance to the investigation.

Statistics:

• At least 279 people died in the crash, with most of the victims onboard flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick.
• 38 people were killed on the ground.
• 80 of the deceased had been identified by Sunday.
• 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian were onboard the flight, along with 12 crew members.
• Over 1,000 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are in regular service worldwide.

Sources:

• Agencies, investigators prepare to study pilots' last words for clues as to cause of Air India plane crash, Gwyn Topham and AFP (no date)
• Air India captain sent mayday call less than minute before crash, say authorities
• Indian Express, Air India plane crash: 80 bodies identified, DNA testing awaited
• Reuters, Air India flight turns back due to suspected technical issue
• Boeing, Statement on the Paris Air Show