Air India: US Lawyer Representing 65 Families Affected by Crash Speaks, Makes Demand from Airline
- US attorney Mike Andrews has demanded full transparency in the investigation into the Air India AI171 crash, which claimed 260 lives
- He warned that technical faults revealed by flight data could lead to legal action against Boeing in US courts
- Anger continues to mount over delayed compensation, as families await answers and accountability
Mike Andrews, the lead US attorney representing over 65 families affected by the Air India AI171 crash, has urged authorities to ensure full transparency in the ongoing investigation.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Andrews stated, “We want to know the truth, we want transparency and exactly what happened.”
Source: UGC
He emphasised that the bereaved families deserved clarity and respect regarding the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of their loved ones.
Flight data recorder findings may trigger legal action against Boeing
According to a report by The Economic Times, Andrews indicated that if the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) analyses reveal technical faults as the root cause of the crash, he would initiate a product liability lawsuit against Boeing in US courts.
He confirmed that formal requests had been submitted to Air India and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for the release of the FDR data, which he believes could provide critical insights into the accident.
Lone survivor and throttle system under scrutiny
During his visit to India, Andrews met the sole survivor of the crash and his family, describing them as “humble and hardworking” individuals enduring profound grief. He revealed that investigators were examining various potential causes, including a possible malfunction in the throttle control system. “One question is whether or not moisture can affect the systems and cause a problem,” he noted.
Compensation delays spark criticism
Andrews also criticised the sluggish pace of compensation, labelling it a “bureaucratic process” that he claimed would not have occurred under the leadership of the late Ratan Tata. “Even in the US, we know who Ratan Tata was,” he remarked. “We know about his work ethic and his humility. If he were here today, we don’t believe victims and their families would be subjected to delayed payments.”
On 26 July, Air India disbursed interim compensation of ₹25 lakh to the families of 147 passengers and 19 victims on the ground. The airline stated that this amount would be adjusted against the final settlement.
Tata Group establishes AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust
In response to the tragedy, the Tata Group launched the “AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust” to honour the victims. The Trust pledged an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore per deceased individual and committed funds to rebuild the BJ Medical College Hostel, which was damaged in the crash. Additional support was extended to first responders and medical personnel involved in the aftermath.
Air India flight AI171 crash: Timeline and casualties
The fatal incident occurred on 12 June when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The disaster claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground.
Air India CEO addresses safety concerns
In the wake of the crash, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson addressed frequent flyers via email, acknowledging their concerns about flight safety. He assured customers that the airline was enhancing its inspection protocols, crew training, and operational checks to bolster safety standards.
DGCA flags repeated safety lapses across Air India Group
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued four show cause notices to Air India, citing repeated safety violations. These included irregularities in crew deployment, pilot rest compliance, and training procedures.
DGCA records revealed 19 top-level safety findings across Air India Group airlines over the past year — 10 in Vistara, seven in Air India, and two in Air India Express. No other Indian carriers recorded findings in this category.
The regulator clarified that such observations were “normal” for larger airlines but stressed the need for immediate corrective measures.
Preliminary AAIB report reveals engine cutoff
Initial findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicated that both fuel control switches had been moved to the “cutoff” position shortly after takeoff, effectively halting engine function. The report documented one pilot questioning the action, while the other denied initiating it.
Source: Legit.ng
