Why Were the Black Boxes Sent to the U.S.? After Top Court’s Big Move on AI-171 Pilot, Questions Grow

Interviewee Panel & Credentials:
Ms. Barkha Dutt spoke with three senior aviation experts — Capt. C.S. Randhawa (Federation of Indian Pilots), Capt. Amit Singh (Founder, Safety Matters Foundation), and Capt. Sam Thomas (ALPA India) — each deeply involved in questioning the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

A Probe Under Fire

The panel highlighted major concerns: alleged conflict of interest in the probe team where most investigators are from DGCA, doubts over the integrity and handling of black boxes, and inconsistencies in the preliminary report. They pointed out that portions of the black-box data may have been decoded abroad despite official claims, raising further transparency issues.

Capt. Randhawa emphasised that the pilot community has long demanded an independent judicial probe, noting that the current panel lacks adequate technical expertise. Capt. Singh detailed several technical discrepancies in the report, including missing time stamps, unsourced data points, and signs of possible electrical failure. Capt. Thomas added that their interactions with the probe team suggested reluctance to include external expert voices.

The Road Ahead

As Ms. Barkha Dutt concluded, the Supreme Court’s remarks may have offered emotional relief to a grieving father, but the real challenge now is ensuring accountability, transparency, and truth. With petitions likely to be heard together, aviation experts hope this moment leads to a fresh, independent investigation—one capable of restoring public trust.