In the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people, families of the victims are seeking answers and accountability. The crash, which occurred in India, is the country's deadliest aviation disaster in decades. Of the 260 fatalities, 229 were passengers, 12 were crew members, and 19 were people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
A legal team now represents more than 125 families from India and other countries. The victims included students, newlyweds, business travelers, and entire families. The families are united in their effort to understand the cause of the crash and to hold those responsible accountable.
Preliminary findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicate that both engines on the Boeing 787 lost thrust seconds after takeoff because the fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF. While it is possible that the switches were moved by mistake, investigators are focusing on potential electrical and FADEC system malfunctions that could have caused a fuel system shutdown without pilot input.
This incident is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. However, there have been other recent cases where 787 aircraft lost engine power or required emergency power system deployment, raising concerns about possible systemic electrical issues with this model. The aircraft involved in the crash, registered as VT-ANB, had over 41,000 flight hours and was fitted with two General Electric GEnx engines installed only months before the incident.
The tragedy has added to ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s safety practices. The company has previously faced investigations and lawsuits related to aircraft design flaws, such as those found in the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Those accidents were attributed to faulty software and insufficient pilot training, resulting in 346 deaths. Boeing has paid billions in settlements and fines following those incidents, but questions about its safety standards and transparency persist.
Concerns about the placement and design of fuel cutoff switches on Boeing aircraft had already been raised by aviation regulators prior to this crash. In 2018, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings urging airlines to inspect locking mechanisms on Boeing planes. Despite these warnings, Boeing reportedly did not require inspections or provide replacement parts. FAA and Boeing documents also show prior knowledge of water leaks into areas containing critical electrical components, which could impact computers essential for safe flight.
The legal team representing the families is investigating the roles of Boeing and other parties involved in the disaster. They are collecting evidence, consulting with aviation experts, and working closely with affected families to build a comprehensive case.
"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," said representatives for the families.