In just the first two months of 2025, we witnessed at least two plane crashes from two of the largest airlines in the world. With the tragic number of fatalities and injuries, the public is questioning the safety of flights.
More importantly, the injured passengers and grieving families are left to wait on investigations of what had led the flight, supposedly the safest transportation in the world, into shocking incidents. To investigate what happened on flights, the National Transportation Safety Board will look into forensic evidence left behind on the plane wreckages, known as the "black box." Learning how the black box can help investigations can help passengers and families strengthen their claims.
What can black boxes tell us about plane crashes?
When news outlets mention the "black box," they usually refer to a set of two different boxes that protect flight data. One is the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), and the other is a flight data recorder (FDR). Here's the type of evidence we can get from these boxes:
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) - records all sounds that can be heard in the cockpit area, including the crew's conversations. This recording can capture messages transmitted over the radio, engine noises, and even which switches or alarms were activated.
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) - captures many parameters that tell us more about how the plane is operated. These include altitude, speed, time, and acceleration. All this information can be used to reanimate the flight through a simulation.
The first challenge in the aftermath of an accident is recovering the black box. While it is designed to be indestructible, it will still be challenging to find it under the wreckage or retrieved from underwater. This is the case for American Airlines Flight 5342 which crashed over Potomac River on January 29, 2025. Water got into the cockpit voice recorder, raising worries about how the recovered evidence may affect the investigation. Preserving this information is crucial because it might hold the key to major decisions in settlements and lawsuits.
Can the Black Box Affect the Investigation and Lawsuits?
The data from both recorders are crucial to the NTSB's published findings and safety recommendations. The recorded data can benefit the aviation industry and the public in two ways. In the case of United Airlines Flight 93, the CVR caught the moments the passengers struggled to regain control of the jet from the hijackers on September 11.
Data from the FDR can help investigators visualize the crucial moment the accident happened. The NTSB uses this to point out errors, preflight or in-flight, and make safety recommendations to be applied to future flights, improving aviation safety.
Additionally, this animation can shed light on who is accountable for the accident and whether the airline's crew or the manufacturer has liabilities. Proven negligence on the airline or manufacturer can help the victims receive just compensation for the injuries or losses they suffered.
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Claim at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary
The flight's final moments can shed light on who is accountable for the accident: the airline's crew or the manufacturer. Proven negligence on the airline or manufacturer can help the victims receive just compensation for the injuries or losses they suffered.
Filing a claim while recovering from injuries and losses is a complicated process. While the investigation is ongoing, seek help from an aviation accident attorney who will protect your best interests.
If you have suffered injury or lost a loved one from a plane accident due to negligence, contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.