The June 12 crash of Air India flight AI171, which killed 260 people, has now set the stage for one of the biggest aviation legal battles in India’s recent history.
Mike Andrews, a Montgomery, Alabama–based attorney representing families of around 110 victims, told ANI that the compensation being offered by Air India so far is grossly inadequate. He also warned that technical flaws linked to Boeing’s aircraft design and manufacturing are at the centre of ongoing investigations.
“Preliminary report left more questions than answers”
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had released its preliminary findings soon after the crash. According to the report, both engines shut down within 90 seconds of take-off from Ahmedabad, leading to a catastrophic descent.
But Andrews says the early report was thin on details.
“The AAIB released the preliminary report, which was fairly quick but highly decontextualised and led to more questions than it provided answers,” he told ANI.
He noted that the pace and opacity felt similar to earlier Boeing-related cases his firm has handled.
Families push back against 'insufficient' payouts
Asked about initial payments Air India has offered, Andrews didn’t mince words.
“No, that payment is not going to be sufficient over the rest of their lives,” he said.
He explained that certain indemnity provisions in early documents shouldn’t block families from pursuing larger claims against Boeing.
“That should have no effect whatsoever in claims against Boeing or other companies,” Andrews clarified.
Boeing under scrutiny for design flaws
Beyond compensation, the bigger question is whether Boeing’s aircraft design may have contributed to the disaster. Andrews pointed to theories his team and technical experts are examining:
Water leaks in aircraft systems: Suspected faulty couplings or poor waterproofing in lavatory and galley areas could allow water to drip into electronic equipment bays.
Electrical shorts in critical systems: Such leaks can disable flight-critical computers, according to FAA warnings cited by Andrews.
“If the couplings were defective at the time they left Boeing, then Boeing could be held responsible… Similarly, if Boeing failed to install proper waterproofing and sealing, they can also be responsible,” Andrews told ANI.
One of India’s deadliest crashes
The June 12 crash claimed the lives of 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground, making it one of India’s worst aviation disasters in decades.
Now, as families seek justice, the probe’s outcome could determine not just compensation but also Boeing’s liability in how the plane was built and maintained.
What happens next
Andrews said his firm is still gathering documents and speaking to individuals who may hold key information. The legal strategy is expected to revolve around both larger claims for victims’ families and technical accountability for Boeing, a company that has already faced global scrutiny over safety lapses.
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