(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Families of Air India AI171 Crash Victims Demand More Compensation and Probe Boeing Faults
Lawyer Mike Andrews from Montgomery, Alabama, is fighting for justice for families hit hard by the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash. He represents around 110 victims’ families—some who were passengers on the plane and others killed on the ground. Andrews shared his concerns in a recent interview, highlighting issues with the compensation offered by Air India and potential Boeing manufacturing defects that investigators are now digging into.
The devastating crash happened on June 12 at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Air India flight AI171, bound for London, plunged shortly after takeoff, claiming 260 lives: 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. It’s one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s recent history, leaving families desperate for answers.
Andrews and his team are working tirelessly with experts to uncover what went wrong. "We’re gathering documents and talking to people who might have key information," he told . The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released a preliminary report soon after the incident, but Andrews says it raised more questions than it answered. "The report came out quickly, but it felt decontextualized—like it didn’t tell the full story," he explained. He even noted similarities to past Boeing investigations, which often move at a similar pace.
When it comes to the initial compensation from Air India, Andrews isn’t holding back. Families received some early payments, but he calls them far from enough. "That money won’t cover their needs for the rest of their lives," Andrews said. He pointed out that certain clauses in the documents, like indemnity provisions, shouldn’t stop families from going after bigger claims against Boeing or other parties. "Those provisions only protect against claims from other family members—they don’t touch lawsuits against the plane maker," he clarified.
Now, the focus is sharpening on possible technical faults in the Boeing aircraft. Investigators are exploring theories about water leaks in the plane’s water lines under the forward and aft lavatories, as well as the galley areas. These spots sit above the equipment and electronics (EE) bays, where critical computer systems are housed.
"Water leaks could seep into these bays and wet the computers," Andrews warned. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), such leaks might cause electrical shorts, knocking out vital flight safety equipment. If Boeing’s manufacturing is to blame—like faulty couplings or poor waterproofing— the company could face serious responsibility. "The plane maker has to answer for defects that leave the factory," Andrews stressed. "If those issues contributed to the crash, Boeing could be held accountable."
The AAIB report noted that both engines on the Boeing 777 failed unexpectedly just 90 seconds after takeoff, causing a sudden loss of thrust and a deadly nosedive. As families push for a thorough Air India crash investigation and Boeing accountability, the world watches closely. They deserve not just closure, but real justice in this heartbreaking aviation tragedy.
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