The recent crash of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala has brought to the forefront the significance of black boxes in aviation accident investigations. The black boxes from the crashed aircraft have been recovered and will be crucial in providing investigators with information about the events leading up to the accident.
Understanding Black Boxes
The term ‘black box’, officially known as the Electronic Flight Data Recorder, refers to an orange-hued, heavily protected recording device placed inside an aircraft. These devices are mandatory on commercial flights and corporate jets, typically situated in the aircraft’s tail where they are most likely to withstand a crash. Black boxes can also be found in other transportation modes like railways and cars.
Once recovered, it usually takes around 10 to 15 days to analyse the data from the black boxes. This data provides valuable insights into the conditions and circumstances preceding an accident.
The Origins of Black Boxes
The first Flight Data Recorder/Cockpit Voice Recorder (FDR/CVR) prototype was constructed by Australian Scientist David Warren in 1958. A ‘black box’ consists of two pieces of equipment: the FDR and the CVR. The former records key flight parameters such as airspeed, altitude, vertical acceleration, and fuel flow, while the latter captures conversations within the cockpit.
Evolution of Black Box Technology
Earlier versions of black boxes used magnetic tape, a technology introduced in the 1960s, operating similarly to traditional tape recorders. Modern black boxes now employ solid-state memory boards that debuted in the 1990s. These utilize stacked arrays of memory chips and offer enhanced durability compared to their predecessors.
For survivability in severe conditions like extreme heat, high impact force and immense pressure, the FDR is equipped with Crash-Survivable Memory Units (CSMUs). To facilitate their location in situations where they are submerged underwater, black boxes are fitted with a beacon that transmits ultrasound signals for up to 30 days.
Alternative Means of Aircraft Accident Investigations
Apart from black boxes, investigators also use accounts from Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, recordings of conversations between ATC and pilots just before the crash, and data recorders at the airport. These additional sources can provide information about the exact point and speed of touchdown on the runway.
However, black boxes have their limitations. In some incidents, like the Malaysian Airlines MH370 flight, the box was never found. Furthermore, they still lack video recording features. To circumnavigate these challenges, there are suggestions to stream essential data directly to a ground-based station in real-time, eliminating the need for a physical box and providing a more reliable alternative.
Aircraft Security
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established in 1944 to oversee the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, otherwise known as the Chicago Convention. The ICAO stipulates international air travel rules, aircraft registration requirements and safeguards related to airspace, safety, security, and sustainability. Also, it underscores the rights of the signatories with respect to air travel.
In India, aviation security is regulated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), an office attached to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Furthermore, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), a division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, investigates aircraft accidents and incidents occurring within the nation’s territories.
Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to amend the Aircraft Act of 1934, reflecting the ongoing development and adjustments in aviation safety and security measures.