Families of Air India 171 Victims File Class Action Lawsuit Against Boeing, Honeywell
The families of four individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident involving Air India Flight 171 have initiated a class action lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell. They are alleging negligence and pointing to a defective fuel cutoff switch as a key factor in the incident.
This catastrophic crash took place on June 12, 2025, shortly after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed Ahmedabad International Airport in India, heading for London-Gatwick. It resulted in the deaths of 260 people, with only one survivor.
A complaint filed on September 16, 2025, in Delaware Superior Court, outlines that the locking mechanism associated with the fuel cutoff switch on the aircraft may have been susceptible to unintended disengagement, potentially leading to a drop in fuel supply and, consequently, thrust loss necessary for takeoff.
The aircraft’s fuel switches have drawn significant attention from investigators after an initial inquiry highlighted that fuel supply to both engines was interrupted shortly after takeoff.
Focus on the Fuel Cutoff Switches
The lawsuit contends that both Boeing and Honeywell were aware of the hazards linked to the possibility of the switch being accidentally moved to the cutoff setting but did not take necessary precautions. In 2018, the FAA had already issued warnings about similar issues with locking mechanisms on various Boeing models, yet there was no follow-up action from these companies.
The FAA’s advisory urged operators to inspect the locking mechanisms of fuel switches to prevent accidental fuel cutoff. However, Boeing did not make such inspections mandatory.
The complaint states that positioning the switch directly behind the thrust levers essentially ensured that routine cockpit operations might lead to an unintended fuel cutoff. “What steps did Honeywell and Boeing take to avert this impending disaster? None,” it claims.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that these companies neglected to alert airlines about the need for inspection and repair of the switches. They reportedly failed to provide replacement parts, leaving airlines without the means to rectify the issue. The families, represented by a Texas-based law firm, assert that both companies “sat idly” while merely recommending inspections.
The claim is seeking unspecified damages for the four deceased passengers—Kantaben Dhirubhai Paghadal, Naavya Chirag Paghadal, Kuberbhai Patel, and Babiben Patel—who were among the 229 passengers aboard the Dreamliner when it crashed.
Additionally, 12 crew members and 19 individuals on the ground lost their lives. The claimants include citizens from both India and the United Kingdom, residing in either country, as reported by The Hindu Business Line.
No Comment from Boeing or Honeywell
Boeing, situated in Arlington, Virginia, opted not to comment on the matter. Similarly, Honeywell, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has not responded regarding the legal claim, redirecting inquiries to the preliminary investigation report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Both companies are incorporated in Delaware. Although the accident occurred in India, it is not unusual for a lawsuit to be filed in the U.S., particularly given that both defendants are based there.
No definitive conclusion has yet been reached by investigators from India, the UK, and the U.S. regarding the exact cause of the crash. However, attention remains focused on the fuel cutoff switches and the circumstances under which they were switched to the off position, as noted by one pilot and recorded in the cockpit voice recorder.
Sources familiar with the ongoing investigation indicated that a comprehensive report, including findings and recommendations, is expected to be released in 2026.
