International legal experts representing families of victims in the Air India crash are pointing fingers at aircraft manufacturer Boeing, stating that preliminary findings suggest a potential failure in its aircraft systems.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its 15-page initial report on Saturday, concluding that both engines on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost power moments after liftoff. This led to a rapid loss of altitude and control, ending in catastrophe. The report cites the aircraft’s fuel cutoff switches transitioning inexplicably from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’, effectively shutting down the engines one after the other.
Sarah Stewart, aviation partner at Stewarts, the UK’s largest litigation-only law firm, told FE, “The factual information raises a troubling spectre that this accident may have been caused by un-commanded fuel cut off, suggesting a possible failure in the Boeing systems”. She further said that the cut-off switches were found in the ‘Run’ position in the wreckage, which could mean the pilots were unaware the switches had disengaged mid-flight.
The AAIB report also references a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration in December 2018. It warned of the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking mechanism, a technical detail that has resurfaced with grave relevance in this crash.
James Healy-Pratt of Keystone Law, another UK-based aviation firm advising families, said the report raises serious concerns for both Boeing and Air India. “Our group of families will be taking action against Boeing in US courts very soon to obtain both evidence and answers about the role of the fuel control switches in this tragedy,” he said.
Lawyers from Stewarts and Keystone Law were in Ahmedabad over the weekend to support families through the coronial process and guide them through compensation procedures. They are also liaising with legal representatives of Air India and its insurers in London regarding interim payments.
Healy-Pratt confirmed that legal action is also underway against Air India in London’s High Court. Stewarts has joined forces with leading US aviation law firms Clifford Law and Kreindler & Kreindler to represent families in any US-based claims, especially those involving Boeing.
The AAIB said that its investigation is ongoing. Additional evidence, technical records, and stakeholder inputs are being collected and reviewed.
Responding to the preliminary report, Boeing issued a statement saying, “We continue to support the investigation and our customer. We will defer to the AAIB to provide information about AI171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organisation protocol known as Annex 13”.
Air India also issued a statement expressing its condolences. “We stand in solidarity with the families and those affected by this tragic event and continue to mourn the loss. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and will support the investigation in every possible way,” it said.