Bengaluru, India — Families of the victims of the tragic Air India AI171 crash are seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident, with many expressing frustration over the slow response of authorities. Lead U.S. attorney Mike Andrews, representing more than 65 affected families, has demanded full transparency in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the rights of these families to understand what happened to their loved ones.
Andrews stated that the families deserve respect and clarity, stressing, “We want to know the truth.” His comments come as the investigation seeks insights into the causes of the crash, particularly focusing on whether technical faults may have played a role. If findings from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) indicate such errors, Andrews plans to seek legal action against Boeing in U.S. courts.
In a recent statement, Andrews articulated the necessity of releasing FDR details from Air India and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), highlighting that this information could be critical in unraveling the circumstances of the incident. He described the lone survivor of the crash and his family as “humble” and “hardworking,” noting the immense pain they are enduring. Investigators are examining several factors, including a potential malfunction in the throttle control system, and whether environmental conditions like moisture could have affected its performance.
Expressing concern over the prolonged compensation process, Andrews criticized the bureaucratic nature of the system, suggesting that quicker resolutions might have been facilitated under the leadership of the late Ratan Tata. “If he were here today, we believe victims’ families would not face delays,” he remarked, referencing Tata’s legacy of humility and commitment to social responsibility.
In response to the tragedy, Air India has initiated interim compensation measures, providing INR 25 lakh to each family of the 147 passengers and 19 individuals on the ground. This sum is expected to be adjusted against future settlements. Additionally, the Tata Group has established the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, pledging a significant ex-gratia payment of INR 1 crore for each deceased person, along with commitments to support reconstruction efforts and assist first responders.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has reached out to frequent flyers regarding safety concerns, assuring them of enhanced inspection and training protocols to boost operational safety following the incident. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued four show-cause notices to Air India, addressing multiple safety oversights, including pilot rest rules and training deficiencies. Statistical records indicate that Air India and its subsidiaries faced numerous safety observations, raising concerns among both regulators and passengers.
The DGCA has emphasized the importance of immediate corrective measures, suggesting that while higher observation rates may be common for larger airlines, adherence to safety protocols remains paramount. As the investigation continues, families affected by the tragedy hope for answers and accountability.
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