Air India Flight 171: New Developments, Over 140 Families Represented

It’s been eight months since the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, and new developments are once again raising serious questions about aircraft safety, oversight, and accountability.

On June 12, 2025, the Londonbound Boeing 7878 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 passengers and crew members and 19 people on the ground. The tragedy shocked the world and left families across multiple countries searching for answers.

Today, as investigations continue, recent incidents involving similar aircraft systems have brought renewed attention to unresolved safety concerns tied to the crash.

Growing Questions About Fuel Control Switches

In early February 2026, Air India grounded another Boeing 7878 Dreamliner after a pilot reported unusual behavior involving an engine fuel control switch—the same type of component investigators have been closely examining in the Air India Flight 171 crash.

According to public reports, the pilot noticed that the switch did not stay firmly locked in its normal “RUN” position during preflight checks. Although the flight itself was completed safely, the aircraft was immediately taken out of service as a precaution, and aviation regulators were notified.

This development has drawn widespread attention because early findings from the Flight 171 investigation showed that fuel to both engines was cut off just seconds after takeoff, leading to a sudden and catastrophic loss of power.

While investigators have not reached final conclusions, aviation safety experts agree that any unexpected or abnormal movement of a critical engine control deserves close review—especially when similar issues have been linked to a fatal crash. When passenger safety is involved, even small irregularities matter.

Investigations Continue, Questions Remain

India’s official aviation investigation agency is still working to determine what caused the Flight 171 crash, and the Supreme Court of India has asked for detailed updates to ensure the investigation is being handled properly.

Authorities say they are looking at every possible factor, including mechanical issues, operational procedures, and human factors. At the same time, families and aviation safety advocates have continued to call for full transparency and independent oversight, so no important questions are left unanswered.

Some families have also shared concerns about feeling pressured to accept early settlements before the investigation is complete. These concerns highlight why careful legal guidance is so important—especially while key facts are still being uncovered.

Standing With More Than 140 Families

Beasley Allen is currently representing more than 140 families affected by the Air India Flight 171 tragedy. Our team is working closely with loved ones from around the world who are searching for answers, accountability, and a path forward after an unimaginable loss.

Led by nationally recognized aviation accident attorney Mike Andrews, our aviation team has decades of experience handling complex aviation cases. Just as important, we understand the human side of these cases—the grief, uncertainty, and need for clear information during an incredibly difficult time.

For families who lost someone on Flight 171, every new development matters. Each update reinforces why it’s so important to ask tough questions and demand honest answers. As the investigation continues, Beasley Allen remains committed to advocating for the families we represent and closely monitoring every development.

For more Air India updates and recent interviews, click here.