In aeroplane crash investigations, one word comes up every time – black box. But many people still wonder, if it’s called a black box, why is its color orange? Let’s understand what this device is, how it helps experts find the truth behind crashes, and why it is such a big deal in air safety.
Black Box Missing After Ahmedabad-London Air India Crash
On Thursday, a tragic plane crash took place in Ahmedabad, involving an Air India Dreamliner that was flying to London. So far, 241 passengers have died, and rescue teams are still searching for the black box. Until it is recovered, the exact cause of the crash remains unclear. Once found, it will help experts understand whether the crash happened due to technical failure, bird strike, fire, engine trouble, or human error.
How the Black Box Tells the Real Story After a Crash
The black box is not an ordinary box. It is a highly secure flight recorder that stores all the important data of a flight. Every commercial aeroplane has two black boxes, and both are kept inside fireproof, waterproof, and crash-resistant metal casings. This protection helps the box survive even in very harsh conditions.
There are two main parts of a black box:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR): It records technical information like engine power, speed, height, direction, wing movement, and other important numbers. This helps understand how the plane was flying before the crash.
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): It records the voices and sounds inside the cockpit. It captures the pilots’ conversation, emergency alerts, radio messages, and even mechanical sounds. These audio files give clues about what went wrong in the final minutes.
All this information helps aviation experts recreate the events of the flight and understand exactly what led to the accident.
Why Is It Called a Black Box If It’s Orange?
Now comes the most asked question: if the black box is bright orange, why is it still called a black box?
The name “black box” goes back to the 1950s. In 1954, when the flight recorder was first used in airplanes, the inside of the box was painted black. It was designed that way because early recorders used film-based technology, just like old cameras that used negative film reels. To protect that film, the inner side was kept black, similar to a darkroom used in photography. Even a little sunlight could damage the film, so the dark interior was necessary to keep the data safe.
Although today’s black boxes use digital systems and don’t need film, the name “black box” has stayed. But the outside of the box is now painted bright orange so that rescue teams can find it easily after a crash. The bright color helps in spotting the box among wreckage or underwater.
What Happens When a Black Box Is Found?
After a crash, aviation teams start searching for the black box immediately. It usually sends out an ultrasonic signal (pinger) for about 30 days, which helps in locating it. Once found, the data is taken to a lab where it is carefully analysed. This analysis takes time and requires experts who match the recorded data with other technical and weather information.
In many cases, the black box gives answers that no one else can provide. Whether it’s a mechanical issue or a mistake by the pilot, this device becomes the most trusted witness in crash investigations.
Why the Black Box Is Crucial for Air Travel Safety
Black boxes not only help in knowing what went wrong, but also help in making flying safer. After learning from past crashes, aeroplane manufacturers and airlines often make technical improvements. Pilots also receive better training based on real-life accidents.
Many safety rules have been made after black box reports showed clear reasons behind air crashes. That is why every time a crash occurs, the black box becomes the first hope of finding the truth.
A Silent Witness With a Loud Voice
Even though the black box never speaks, its recorded voice and data speak louder than anything else. It tells a story that no passenger or pilot can explain after a crash. And even though it is orange in colour, people will always call it a black box, because its history and purpose are more important than its colour.
