Air India Crash Investigation: US Lawyer Eyes Boeing Lawsuit – Potential for Victims’ Families

The aftermath of a major aviation disaster is a complex web of grief, investigation, and legal proceedings. When the dust settles, families often seek answers and justice, especially when negligence or product defects are suspected. The recent Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has brought this scenario into sharp focus, with a U.S. lawyer now examining the potential for a lawsuit against Boeing on behalf of the victims’ families.

The Tragedy: Air India Flight AI171

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 241 fatalities among the 242 people on board. Additionally, 19 people on the ground perished when the aircraft struck the mess building at BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar. The lone survivor and families of the deceased are now grappling with unimaginable pain and loss.

Immediate Aftermath and Compensation

Following the crash, Air India announced an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh (approximately GBP 21,500) to the families of the deceased and survivors to address immediate financial needs. This was in addition to the compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $118,000 USD) announced by the parent company, Tata Sons, as a voluntary ex gratia payment.

While these initial compensations provide some immediate relief, they are unlikely to fully cover the long-term financial and emotional toll on the families. The Montreal Convention of 1999, to which India is a signatory, establishes airline liability in cases of death or injury during international travel, potentially providing further compensation capped at 171,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger (over $227,000 USD). However, if negligence is proven, compensation could exceed this cap.

US Lawyer Eyes Boeing Lawsuit

Mike Andrews, a lead U.S. attorney representing more than 65 families impacted by the Air India AI171 crash, has called for full transparency in the investigation. Andrews has indicated that if the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) findings point to technical faults as the cause of the crash, he would move U.S. courts to pursue a product liability case against Boeing.

Andrews’s legal team is seeking details of the data contained in the FDR of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. They are placing formal requests with Air India and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to release the FDR details, believing they will reveal a great deal about the accident. The lawyer has criticized the slow pace of compensation, calling it a “bureaucratic process”.

Why a Lawsuit Against Boeing?

In the wake of an aviation accident, determining liability is a multifaceted process. Several parties could potentially be held responsible, including:

Aircraft Manufacturers: Liable for design flaws or manufacturing defects.
Airlines: Responsible for maintaining aircraft, adhering to safety protocols, and ensuring adequate training for pilots and crew.
Maintenance Providers: Liable if the accident resulted from improper or insufficient maintenance.
Air Traffic Controllers: Responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.
Regulatory Agencies: Responsible for overseeing the aviation industry and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

If a defect in the aircraft or one of its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer, in this case, Boeing, can be held responsible. This includes not only the primary aircraft manufacturer but also suppliers of critical components such as engines, avionics, and safety systems.

The Case for Product Liability

Product liability claims arise when injuries are caused by defective products. In an aviation accident, this could involve design defects, manufacturing defects, or warning failures. To prove liability, expert witnesses can explain how the manufacturer’s actions were irresponsible and a cause of the accident.

Boeing has faced scrutiny over past incidents, including the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which led to a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department for defrauding the FAA. These incidents have raised concerns about Boeing’s safety culture and the potential for negligence in the design and manufacturing of its aircraft.

Potential Legal Challenges

Pursuing a lawsuit against Boeing in U.S. courts presents several challenges:

Jurisdiction: Establishing jurisdiction in a U.S. court for an accident that occurred in India involving an Indian airline may require demonstrating significant connections to the U.S., such as the aircraft’s design and manufacturing taking place in the U.S.
Complexity: Aviation accident cases are complex and require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations and technology.
Cost: Litigation can be expensive, requiring significant financial resources for legal fees, expert witnesses, and travel.

Advice for Victims’ Families

If you are a family member of a victim of the Air India Flight AI171 crash, consider the following:

Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with an experienced aviation accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
Preserve Evidence: Gather and preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as travel documents, medical records, and personal belongings.
Cooperate with Investigators: Cooperate with the AAIB and other investigating agencies to ensure a thorough and accurate investigation.
Seek Emotional Support: Seek counseling and support from mental health professionals to cope with the emotional trauma of the accident.

Conclusion

The Air India Flight AI171 crash is a tragic event that has had a devastating impact on the victims’ families. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability. The potential lawsuit against Boeing highlights the importance of holding manufacturers responsible for ensuring the safety of their aircraft. While legal proceedings can be lengthy and complex, they can provide a path to justice and compensation for the victims’ families.