Seeking Justice for Over 125 Families After Air India Flight 171 Crash

In the wake of India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades, the search for answers is intensifying. The crash claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.

We now represent more than 125 families from India and around the world—each mourning the loss of a parent, child, sibling, or spouse. Among the victims were students, newlyweds, business travelers, and entire families. These families are united not only by grief, but by a shared determination to uncover what went wrong and to hold those responsible accountable.

The Crash

According to preliminary findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), both engines on the Boeing 787 lost thrust seconds after liftoff due to the fuel control switches moving from RUN to CUTOFF.  While the possibility remains that the switches could have been moved inadvertently, experts are currently focused on the various electrical and FADEC system malfunctions that could occur to initiate a fuel system shutdown independent of any pilot actions.

Although this was the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011, several recent incidents involving 787 aircraft losing engine power and auxiliary emergency power system deployments have experts concerned there are systemic electrical problems with this model. The aircraft involved, registered VT-ANB, had logged over 41,000 flight hours and was equipped with two General Electric GEnx engines installed just months before the crash.

Known Risks, No Action

This tragedy adds to growing scrutiny of Boeing’s safety practices. The company has faced multiple investigations and lawsuits in recent years related to aircraft design flaws, including the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. In those cases, faulty software and inadequate pilot training were blamed for the deaths of 346 people. Boeing has since paid billions in settlements and fines, but questions remain about its commitment to safety and transparency.

In the case of Flight 171, the placement and design of the fuel cutoff switches had already drawn concern from aviation regulators. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings in 2018 urging airlines to inspect locking mechanisms on Boeing aircraft. Despite these alerts, Boeing allegedly failed to mandate inspections or offer replacement parts. Additionally, FAA and Boeing documents indicate knowledge of onboard water leaks into critical electrical component areas that could affect operation of computers vital for safe flight.

What Comes Next

Our team is actively investigating the roles of Boeing and others in this disaster. We are gathering evidence, consulting aviation experts, and working closely with families to build a case that reflects the scale and seriousness of what occurred.

This case is not just about compensation—it’s about accountability, reform, and honoring the lives lost in a tragedy that should never have happened. Aviation safety affects everyone.