In the wake of the tragic Air India 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, questions linger about the cause of the disaster. Aviation accident lawyer Michael Andrews, representing over 65 families of the victims, is seeking transparency and has offered insights into potential factors that could be behind the crash.
Andrews has emphasized the importance of obtaining all the facts and data surrounding the crash, advocating for the release of unedited flight recorder and black box information. He is currently in India meeting with the families of the victims to gather detailed information and explain the legal process in the United States. Hir Prajapati, who lost his mother in the crash, has filed a lawsuit against Boeing in a U.S. Federal Court, seeking a speedy resolution, expressing concern that trials in India can be prolonged.
Andrews has outlined several potential legal avenues depending on the findings from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. If the crash is linked to a defect in the aircraft, such as issues with the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system or the throttle control, a product liability claim could be filed against Boeing in the U.S.. Alternatively, if Air India is found responsible, claims would likely fall under the Montreal Convention. According to Andrews, the U.S. is a favorable jurisdiction for pursuing cases against large multinational corporations.
Andrews has criticized premature speculation of pilot error, stating that it's a narrative often pushed by manufacturers to deflect attention from their products. He noted that blaming deceased pilots is a common occurrence, as they cannot defend themselves.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report that both engines shut down unexpectedly shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust and rapid descent. Andrews and the families he represents are seeking full access to the unedited flight data and black box information to understand the complete picture of what occurred in the moments leading up to the crash.
Andrews has also addressed the issue of delayed compensation to the victims' families, suggesting that the situation might have been different if Ratan Tata, the former Chairperson of the Tata Group, were still alive. He believes that Tata's focus on employee well-being and ethical conduct would have prevented the bureaucratic delays the families are experiencing.
The families are seeking not only financial compensation but also accountability and a thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
