Investigators Recover Black Boxes, Probe Begins Amidst Devastation and Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Investigators in India have recovered the cockpit voice recorder, the second "black box," from the crash site of Air India flight 171. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into buildings in Ahmedabad, resulting in the death of nearly all 242 people on board and dozens on the ground.

The flight data recorder had been recovered on Friday. The cockpit voice recorder is expected to provide crucial information about the moments leading up to the crash, capturing conversations, alarms, and other sounds from the cockpit. A mayday call was sent by the flight captain shortly after takeoff.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the investigation into the crash. They are receiving assistance from teams from the U.S. and the U.K. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board surveyed the crash site.

A high-level committee has been established by the Indian government to investigate the crash and recommend changes to standard operating procedures. The committee held its first meeting on Monday. The crash also resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people on the ground.

The families of the victims are awaiting the return of their loved ones' remains. The plane's destruction has made it difficult to retrieve and identify bodies. Authorities are working to match DNA samples from the victims and their families.

Authorities have begun returning remains to families. The final death toll will be confirmed after all DNA testing is complete. Air India is assisting over 400 family members in Ahmedabad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has instructed Air India to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing Dreamliner fleet.