Air India aircraft event: DVR will give important clues in investigation, know what it is and how it works

New Delhi: An important success has been achieved in the investigation of the Air India aircraft accident in Gujarat. Gujarat ATS has recovered a digital video recorder (DVR) from the aircraft, which is considered an important part of the investigation. This device can play a decisive role in exposing the truth behind the aircraft events.

The incident took place with Air India flight IX-126 from Delhi to Ahmedabad, which slipped from the runway during the landing. Although there was no casualty in this incident, it has raised serious questions about aviation security. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has already ordered an inquiry into the matter.

What is a digital video recorder (DVR)?

Digital video recorder or DVR is an electronic device that records and collects video footage on a digital storage device. Usually we see it being used in security systems with CCTV cameras, where it records the video obtained from the cameras on a hard drive.

However, its nature may be slightly different in the context of aircraft. It is often part of the ‘Black Box’, which includes flight data recorders (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Records (CVR). The DVR can record views inside the cockpit and sometimes other important parts of the aircraft.

How will DVR help in investigation?

The recovered DVR may prove to be a gold mine for investigative agencies. This can provide the following important information:

1. Pilots activities: DVR will let the investigators know what the pilots were doing in important moments of landing. Did he follow all standard operating procedures (sops)?

2. Cockpit conditions: This device will provide a visual record of the position inside the cockpit. This may show whether there was a sign of a technical fault, an alarm played, or an unusual phenomenon.

3. Order of event: Video footage will help re -create the Sequence of Events of the incident. Investigators will be able to see what happened just before the aircraft slipped from the runway and during that time.

4. Verification of statements: Footage captured in DVR can be used to verify the statements made by pilots and other crew members.

This visual evidence will help investigators to create a complete picture of the event instead of depending on data and voice recording, which will allow accurate detection of the root cause of the accident and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in future.