New theories surrounding the cause of the Air India Flight AI171 crash, which occurred on June 12 of this year, are gaining traction, supported by the lawyer representing over 100 victims' families. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, happened shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad (AMD), resulting in 260 fatalities, including 52 British citizens, with only one survivor. This marked the first fatal incident for the Dreamliner model since its introduction in 2011.
Mike Andrews, the attorney spearheading lawsuits against Boeing on behalf of the affected families, is dismissing initial suggestions of pilot error or self-sabotage. A preliminary report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in July had indicated that both of the plane's fuel switches moved to the “cut-off” position immediately after takeoff, halting fuel supply to the engine. This led to speculation about possible pilot error or even intentional action, especially since the cockpit voice recording captured one pilot questioning the other about cutting off the fuel.
Andrews argues that these claims lack sufficient evidence and unfairly tarnish the reputations of the deceased pilots. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability, cautioning against prematurely blaming the pilots without a comprehensive understanding of the events. According to Andrews, "It is premature conjecture to solely blame the pilots when we don't yet have all the data". He stresses that such insinuations are deeply damaging to the victims' families, who are seeking clarity and assurance that all possible causes are being thoroughly investigated.
Instead of focusing on pilot error, Andrews is drawing attention to longstanding technical concerns with the Boeing 787's potable water system. This system supplies drinking water to passengers and crew, and Andrews suggests that leaks, even minor ones, could trigger electrical failures leading to engine shutdown. He explains that water leaks do not need to destroy components outright to cause danger; even minor exposure can trigger a reset, cascading into an engine shutdown. In the AI171 crash, both engines shut down or lost thrust within seconds after takeoff, an event Andrews deems extraordinarily unlikely without a common cause, such as water reaching these systems.
Andrews highlights the importance of the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder in uncovering the truth. He stresses that the FDR contains crucial digital data about the computers, engines, and software inputs, which is essential for a complete and unbiased understanding of the accident.
Furthermore, Andrews is questioning the sufficiency of the compensation being offered to the victims' families. He notes that disputes within families over entitlements, combined with delays, have left some with "no answers, no compensation, no nothing – just a loss". He is also adamant that manufacturers should not be allowed to deflect blame onto subcomponent makers, arguing that Boeing is responsible if the aircraft design allows water to drip into flight computers.
As the investigation progresses, Andrews is committed to pursuing all available legal avenues to ensure that the families receive justice and that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He specializes in aviation litigation and has earned recognition as one of the Top 10 Aviation Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He underscores that "Aviation safety, product safety, matters to everyone...the public deserves safe products. We need to be able to count on transportation to be safe".
