Ahmedabad, India — Aviation attorney Mike Andrews of Beasley Allen Law Firm visited the families of victims from the tragic AI171 flight, which recently crashed, as part of his effort to represent approximately 70 affected families. His meetings took place in both Diu and Ahmedabad, where he emphasized the importance of obtaining critical flight data to bring closure to the grieving families and hold accountable those responsible for the disaster.
Andrews, who previously represented families impacted by the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash, expressed his dedication to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the AI171 incident. Central to his investigation is the request for cockpit and black box data that could reveal the timeline of events before the crash, including any malfunctions related to the aircraft, pilot actions, or maintenance issues.
During his discussions, Andrews highlighted the complex nature of the Boeing 787, likening it to “one of the most complicated, complex, electrically driven flying computers.” He noted that such sophisticated systems can fail in various ways, complicating the investigation process. Drawing parallels to a previous 787 crash that was attributed to a malfunctioning throttle control system, he stressed the need to identify whether similar failures occurred in this case.
Andrews also explored potential environmental factors, such as moisture affecting electronic systems on the aircraft. He noted that while some minor issues could be managed, significant faults, like a short circuit leading to engine failure, could have dire consequences for flight safety. Andrews underscored the importance of the flight data in uncovering whether such issues contributed to the crash.
Initially, Andrews plans to approach Air India to gather necessary data before resorting to judicial or regulatory channels. He pointed out that the families he represents, mostly from Gujarat and some from the UK, deserve answers and accountability.
Meeting with Vishwaskumar Ramesh, the crash’s only survivor, Andrews described the encounter as poignant. Although he engaged with Ramesh in a personal capacity rather than a legal one, the meeting was significant given Ramesh’s reluctance to speak publicly since the tragedy. Andrews expressed the emotional weight of interacting with families who are still processing their loss and navigating their grief.
While some families have received compensation, Andrews noted that many have not, including an elderly woman in Diu who depended on her son’s support for medical care. He acknowledged the urgent need for assistance for such families during their difficult times.
As he continues to gather evidence to prepare for a potential legal suit, Andrews emphasized that determining an appropriate amount of compensation is challenging, stating emphatically that no sum could ever be sufficient to replace what the families have lost.
The investigation into the AI171 crash is ongoing, and Andrews remains committed to providing the bereaved families with the truth they seek as he navigates the complex landscape of aviation law and accountability.
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