“Air India Crash Survivor: ‘I Thought I’d Die’ Recalls Escape, Black Box Recovered”

Air India Plane Crash: Survivor’s Harrowing Escape Detailed

“Miracle of Seat 11A”: Man Survives Ahmedabad Disaster

Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 – Time.news Staff.

A British national of Indian origin, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. He recounted his escape as investigators recovered the flight’s black box, marking a crucial step in understanding the disaster.

Debris from the Air India plane crash.

In the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of over 240 people, a single, astonishing tale of survival has emerged. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, recounts the harrowing moments of the disaster, detailing his escape from the wreckage in a scene of unimaginable chaos.

• Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor, was seated near the emergency exit.
• The black box, or digital flight data recorder, has been recovered.
• Investigations into the crash are underway, with inspections of Dreamliner aircraft ordered.

‘I Don’t Believe How I Survived’

The 40-year-old, a British national of Indian origin, was filmed shortly after the crash, limping with a blood-stained t-shirt and bruises. He was seated in seat 11A near the emergency exit, and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch.

“For some time I thought I was also going to die,” Ramesh shared from his hospital bed on Friday local time. “But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could.”

Ramesh described seeing the air hostess and others perish before his eyes. His escape has been dubbed the “miracle of seat 11A.” He was travelling with his brother, Ajay, who was seated in a different row. Ramesh mentioned that the side of the plane he was in landed on the ground, which allowed him to escape through the broken door.

“The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there,” he said.

Crash Details and Investigation

The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, erupted in a ball of fire after plummeting onto a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff. Ramesh suffered burns and bruises and is under observation at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

Police reported that some people at the hostel and on the ground also died in the crash. Ramesh noted that the plane seemed to pause mid-air for a few seconds after takeoff, with the cabin lights switching on before it “crashed with speed into the hostel.”

Black Box Recovery and Next Steps

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has recovered the digital flight data recorder, often referred to as the “black box,” from a rooftop near the crash site on Friday. The Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu described this recovery as a vital step forward.

Additionally, the country’s civil aviation regulator has ordered Air India to conduct additional maintenance and enhanced safety inspections of its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners, which are equipped with General Electric’s GEnx engines. The inspections will include detailed checks of fuel parameters, the cabin air compressor, engine control systems, and hydraulic systems, as well as a review of take-off parameters.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with Ramesh in the hospital on Friday.

The harrowing account of a survivor unveils the moments of terror, resilience, and the crucial findings that followed the tragic event.

The Unfolding Disaster: A SurvivorS Viewpoint

The event. The term alone conjures images of chaos, fear, and the fight for survival.But what happens in the moments after, when the dust settles and the reality of what has occurred sets in? The human experience of confronting such a disaster is a raw and powerful testament to resilience and the enduring will to live. Stories from survivors offer a unique perspective on the crash, allowing us to understand the intricacies of the event and the emotional toll it takes.

imagine hurtling through the sky, unaware of the impending doom, followed by the sudden, violent jolt that rips through your senses. This is the harsh reality that faced the passengers and crew aboard the Air India flight that tragically crashed. This article will focus on the stories of survivors from the Air India crash as well. One survivor,recounting thier experience,said,”I thought I’d die.” The memory is etched forever in their mind.

The immediate aftermath of an accident is a blur of confusion, adrenaline, and a desperate struggle for survival. Physical and emotional wounds are compounded by the shock of realizing the magnitude of what has happened. Survivors often find themselves facing a harsh surroundings, battling against the elements, injuries, and the lingering fear. The stories of these people are not just personal accounts; they are also a source of profound insights into human nature and the strength of the human spirit.

The Black Box: Uncovering the Truth

A critical element in understanding the cause of any plane crash is the recovery of the aircraft’s “black box.” Officially known as the flight recorder,this is actually a pair of devices: the flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). These instruments provide investigators with vital clues as to what happened during the flight’s final moments.

The FDR meticulously documents data such as altitude, airspeed, engine performance, and control surface positions. The CVR records conversations between the pilots, air traffic control communications, and any other sounds within the cockpit. When the flight data and voice recordings are synchronized,investigators receive a detailed picture of the events leading up to the crash.

The recovery process is a race against time. Search teams scour the crash site, often facing challenging terrain and weather conditions. The black boxes are built to withstand extreme forces, but they can still be damaged.When found, the boxes are sent to specialized facilities where the data is extracted and analyzed. The details helps investigators reconstruct events and determine the causes of the crash.

The Role of Flight Recorders: Insights and Impact

The information gleaned from flight recorders plays a vital role in accident investigations. The data is analyzed by a team of experts who piece together information about the flight’s final moments. Through careful examination of the flight data and cockpit voice recordings, investigators can identify the sequence of events, pinpoint any contributing factors, and determine the cause of the accident.

This critical data is vital for understanding what occurred, what went wrong, and how to prevent future occurrences. Examining evidence from the black boxes helps investigators understand what the pilots and crew were doing,the performance of the aircraft,and any external factors that may have been involved.

• Understanding the Cause: Flight recorders are a treasure trove of information that allows investigators to understand the moments leading to the crash.
• Identifying Contributing factors: By scrutinizing data from the aircraft, experts can identify things like mechanical failures, human error, and environmental conditions.
• Prevention of Future Accidents: The findings from an investigation are used to create safer aviation practices.

The Human Cost: Impacts on Survivors and Families

The Air India crash, like all aviation tragedies, had a profound impact on everyone involved. For survivors, the journey back to normalcy can be a long and arduous one; many will have both physical and psychological injuries. The experience can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),anxiety,and depression. They also may struggle with survivor’s guilt.

The Impact on Families

The loss of a loved one causes deep sorrow. Grief is a complex and personal process, and there is no one-size-fits-all. For family members, finding support is essential. It helps them cope with the impact of the event.

Did you know? The families of victims often play a critical role by helping investigators and providing insights into the lives of those lost.

Practical Tips for Passengers During a Flight

While it’s impossible to predict or prevent all aviation incidents, there are steps people can take to improve their safety.

• Listen Carefully: Pay attention during the pre-flight safety briefing.
• Identify Exits: Locate the nearest emergency exits to your seat and count the rows.
• Stay Alert: Remain aware of your surroundings and be ready to react.
• Follow Instructions: Obey the crew’s instructions.They are trained to handle emergencies.
• Brace position: Learn and practice the brace position.

looking Forward: Improving Aviation Safety

The Air India crash,and similar disasters,have driven global efforts to improve aviation safety. The investigations into these events offer invaluable insights that are used to make aviation safer. These advancements range from aircraft design to pilot training and air traffic control procedures.

Expert tip: Aviation organizations constantly review and update safety regulations. They also adopt new technologies as they emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the black box in a plane crash?

The black box, or flight recorder, is the primary device for investigating plane crashes, containing the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), to determine the cause of an accident.

Where are black boxes typically found after a plane crash?

Black boxes are designed to survive crashes and are often found near the main wreckage, sometimes buried or underwater, depending on where the accident occurred.

What kind of information does the flight data recorder (FDR) collect?

The FDR records critical data about the flight, including altitude, airspeed, engine performance, and control surface positions, to give experts a full picture of the plane’s flight path and actions.

Why is it so crucial for the flight recorders to be recovered?

The FDR and CVR allow for an accurate understanding of what happened in the time leading up to the crash. This includes helping aviation experts better prepare pilots, staff, and passengers.

The brave men and women who survived the Air India crash share their stories, providing poignant insights into survival, resilience, and the profound impact of such harrowing events. The recovery of the black box played a crucial role in understanding the full scope of the tragedy,helping to ensure improvements in aviation safety,and supporting the survivors and families affected by the crash.

Did you know? The term “black box” is a misnomer; the flight recorders are usually painted luminous orange.

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The primary goal of the black box is to provide critical insights into the causes of plane crashes. It records essential flight data and cockpit conversations,which allows investigators to reconstruct the events leading up to the disaster.

Survivors’ personal stories shed light on the immense difficulties faced, while the black box contains critical details that can lead to improvements. The recovery efforts and the insights gained from the black box play a valuable part in shaping a safer world for all.