On 12 July 2025, the Indian Air Accident Investigation Bureau released its preliminary report into the Air India flight 171, on what marks the 30-day anniversary of the crash.
The claims arising from this disaster are being led by top ranked specialist aviation partners, Sarah Stewart and Peter Neenan.
Sarah Stewart comments as follows:
“The AAIB has narrowed the focus of the investigation to the fuel being cut off to the engines and the fuel cut-off switches. Our reading of the preliminary report is that the pilots were not aware that the fuel had been cut off, indicating that neither pilot had purposefully flipped the cut-off switches and we note that the cut-off switches were found in the RUN position in the wreckage. The factual information raises a troubling spectre that this accident may have been caused by uncommanded fuel cut off, suggesting a possible failure in the Boeing systems.
“We are grateful to the AAIB for keeping to their obligations to release an initial statement within the 30 days required by international law. The preliminary report provides the first glimpse of what factors led to the crash which resulted in the death of 280 victims.
“The families welcome further updates from the AAIB and a swift and transparent investigation.”
Stewarts supporting families affected by the Air India crash tragedy
Stewarts’ Aviation team is advising the families of close to 50 passengers in England and India. Stewarts’ Aviation team is the leading claimant aviation practice in the UK and Europe. The firm more broadly is the largest litigation only law firm in the UK and has a dedicated Indian practice, which is assisting Indian based families in this accident. The firm is advising families on all claims against all possibly responsible parties, including Air India and Boeing.
Stewarts has partnered with the two preeminent aviation firms acting for families in the US, Clifford Law and Kreindler & Kreindler, to support families in any claims that they may have against US based defendants, including Boeing.
Families who require legal assistance can contact Stewarts at flight171@stewartslaw.com in English, Gujarati or Hindi.
