Families Sue Boeing And Honeywell After Ahmedabad Air India Crash, Blame Faulty Fuel Switches

National News: The families of four people who died in the crash of Air India flight AI171 have filed a major lawsuit. They have named Boeing, the aircraft maker, and Honeywell, the supplier of key components. The case was registered in Delaware, United States. Families allege that the fuel cutoff switches were poorly designed. They believe this defect directly caused the crash. Lawyers say they will demand heavy compensation for the lives lost.

Boeing And Honeywell Blamed

Honeywell made the switches that control fuel supply to engines. The US aviation regulator FAA had approved these switches as safe. But the lawsuit says their design made them prone to accidental use. Families argue that the switches were placed too close to the thrust levers. This made it easy for pilots to touch them by mistake. They insist the companies ignored safety while focusing on design.

Shocking Cockpit Recording Revealed

Investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the Boeing 787. It captured one pilot asking, “Why did you shut off the fuel?” The co-pilot replied, “I did not.” Both engines lost power seconds after takeoff. Pilots tried to restart but the plane had already lost thrust. Within 32 seconds, the aircraft crashed into a building near the runway. CCTV showed emergency systems deploying, but it was too late.

Maintenance Records Raise Doubts

The investigation revealed the plane’s fuel control module had been replaced twice before. Still, Air India had followed all required safety bulletins. This means the airline met rules but questions remain on why such a failure happened. Experts say sometimes official compliance is not enough. Small mistakes in design or placement can create big risks. Families believe regulators must also share blame for approving the switches.

Experts Divided On Cause

Some aviation engineers say the switches are built to avoid accidental activation. They argue that pilots must have pressed them unknowingly. But others point out that if two trained pilots can make the same error, the design is questionable. Legal experts say companies like Boeing often face lawsuits after crashes. Airlines are protected by liability caps, but manufacturers are not. This makes them an easy legal target.

Families Demand Accountability

The victims included Kantaben Paghadal, Naavya Paghadal, Kuberbhai Patel, and Babiben Patel. Their families say justice must be served. They want Boeing and Honeywell to admit their role. They believe money can never replace lives but accountability is important. For them, the crash was not just an accident but a preventable tragedy. The lawsuit has become a voice for many families around the world.

A Global Wake-Up Call

This crash shows how one small component can cause massive loss. Safety experts say aircraft designs must be reviewed again. Regulators must ensure no system can be activated by mistake. The lawsuit will take time but it highlights urgent gaps in aviation safety. The families say they will fight until the truth comes out. Aviation observers believe this case may force companies to rethink safety priorities worldwide.