New Twist in Air India AI171 Crash Probe: Lawyer Claims Water Leak, Not Pilot Error, Caused Tragedy
Families grieving the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash have fresh hope for answers. Mike Andrews, the lead US attorney representing most of the affected families, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. He’s pushing US authorities to release the flight data recorder (FDR), or black box, data from the doomed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Andrews believes this could prove the crash stemmed from a water leak causing an electrical short circuit—not any mistake by the pilots.
In his request, Andrews points to growing evidence that a leak from the plane’s potable water system let moisture seep into the electronics equipment (EE) bays. These bays house vital flight controls and avionics. He argues this triggered a short circuit, which automatically shut down the fuel control switches. That led to a sudden loss of engine power, dooming the flight. "It’s not about pilot error," Andrews stresses. "The evidence shows a hidden mechanical issue took control away from the crew."
What backs this up? Andrews cites a key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive (AD) issued on May 14—just a month before the crash. This AD targets Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models, exactly like the one on AI171. The FAA flagged reports of water leaks from poorly installed waterline couplings. Water was dripping from the main cabin floor into the EE bays below, soaking sensitive gear.
The FAA warning is clear: Such leaks can cause electrical shorts, knocking out essential systems and risking safe flight. To fix it, the directive orders airlines to inspect seat tracks above the EE bays for missing or worn-out sealant, moisture barrier tape, or tape dams. These prevent water intrusion. If problems show up, crews must take immediate action.
Remember the horror of June 12? Air India Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London. But tragedy struck fast. Within 90 seconds of liftoff, both engines failed during the climb. The plane plunged, crashing and killing 260 people: 229 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 on the ground. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report described the chaos—a rapid loss of thrust and a desperate descent.
This ranks as one of India’s worst aviation disasters in years, leaving families desperate for truth. Andrews’ FOIA push could unlock the black box secrets, shedding light on whether Boeing 787 water leak issues played a deadly role. As the investigation continues, many eyes are on US authorities for a response. Will this rewrite the story of AI171? Stay tuned for updates on the Air India crash investigation.
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