Families of Air India Crash Victims Sue Boeing and Honeywell
Washington / New Delhi – Families of four victims of the Air India Flight 171 crash have filed a lawsuit in the US against Boeing and Honeywell, accusing the aerospace giants of negligence in the design of aircraft fuel switches.
The June 13 disaster, involving a Boeing 787 bound for London Gatwick, killed 260 people when the jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. A preliminary inquiry by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that fuel supply to the engines was cut off moments after takeoff, after a switch was moved from “run” to “cut-off.”
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday and reviewed by the BBC, alleges Boeing and Honeywell were aware of the design flaw but failed to act. It cites a 2018 FAA advisory that urged—though did not require—airlines to inspect the switches’ locking mechanism to prevent accidental movement.
The families argue that this amounted to a serious defect, saying:
“What did Honeywell and Boeing do to prevent the inevitable catastrophe? Nothing.”
They claim the companies failed to warn airlines, provide mandatory repairs, or supply replacement parts. Instead, they relied on a non-binding advisory, leaving crews exposed to the risk of inadvertent fuel cutoff.
Boeing declined to comment directly, referring instead to the AAIB’s preliminary findings. Honeywell has not yet responded.
The families are represented by the Texas-based Lanier Law Firm, known for high-profile aviation and product liability cases. A full investigation report is expected in 2026.
In total, 229 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 people on the ground died in the crash, one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
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