Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Victims’ Families Sue Boeing, Honeywell Over Faulty Fuel Switches

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Families of victims of the Air India Flight AI171 crash have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell in Delaware Superior Court, alleging that faulty cockpit fuel cutoff switches caused the tragedy that killed 260 people on June 12.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

Faulty fuel cutoff switches, manufactured by Honeywell and approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allegedly triggered the accident.

Families argue that the design and placement of the switches made them prone to accidental activation.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages on behalf of four victims’ families.

Investigation Findings

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reported that both engines lost power seconds after takeoff.

Cockpit voice recorder: one pilot asked, “Why did you shut off the fuel?”; the co-pilot replied, “I did not.”

Fuel switches were found flipped to “CUTOFF”, shutting down engines.

Crew reset switches to “RUN” within 14 seconds, but thrust was already lost, leading to a steep descent.

CCTV confirmed deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) as backup power before the crash.

Bird strikes ruled out; no evidence of avian activity.

Casualties

Total onboard: 229 passengers + 12 crew.

Fatalities: 260 (including people on the ground).

Survivors: Only 1 passenger.

Maintenance Records

Throttle control module (housing the switches) had been replaced in 2019 and 2023.

AAIB noted Air India complied with all airworthiness directives and bulletins.

Despite compliance, lawsuit claims switch placement below thrust levers made accidental shutoff likely.

Expert Views

Aviation engineers state accidental activation is “highly unlikely” due to switch design.

Legal analysts say lawsuits against manufacturers are common, since airlines have liability caps.

What Are Fuel Control Switches?

Devices that regulate fuel flow to aircraft engines.

Used during engine start-up, shutdown, and emergencies.

On the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, switches are located below thrust levers.

In “CUTOFF” mode → engines shut down instantly, leaving little time for recovery.