Air India

Families of Air India crash victims sue Boeing and Honeywell over alleged fuel switch defect

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Relatives of four passengers killed in the June crash of Air India Flight 171 have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Boeing and Honeywell, alleging negligence and design flaws in the Boeing 787’s fuel control switches. The Ahmedabad–London Gatwick flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 261 people onboard but one and 19 on the ground.

The suit claims a faulty switch allowed fuel supply to be inadvertently cut off, causing total engine thrust loss, and accuses both companies of ignoring known risks despite a 2018 FAA advisory highlighting the issue. Families argue Boeing and Honeywell failed to issue mandatory fixes or provide replacement parts, leaving airlines vulnerable.

Boeing has declined to comment, referring instead to India’s preliminary investigation report. A full AAIB report is expected in 2026.

This post was published on 18 September 2025 18:25

André Orban

M. Sc. Engineering

Published by
André Orban

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