How black boxes reconstruct a crash

Data from an aircraft’s so-called “black boxes” are used to generate computer video reconstructions of flight so that accident investigators can visualise how a plane was handling before a crash

Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

Records voices of pilots and other sounds from cockpit for two hours

50cm

Underwater Locator Beacon

32cm

Primary Flight Display: Shows “big-five” flight instruments – artificial horizon, airspeed in knots, altimeter in feet above sea level, vertical speed in feet per minute, and compass heading

Flight Data Recorder (FDR)

Records technical data collected by sensors throughout fuselage

Recorders in tail section – best chance to remain undamaged

Navigation Display: Weather radar, route plan, and aircraft systems data such as fuel, engine power and state of electrical systems

Sources: CAE Flightscape, L-3 Aviation Recorders