Families file lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell following June Air India crash.
The recent tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787, which occurred on June 12 during its takeoff from Ahmedabad and claimed the lives of 260 individuals, has taken a new turn with the filing of a lawsuit by the families of four victims in Delaware. This legal action alleges that the accident resulted from faulty fuel switches manufactured by Honeywell, despite the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stating that these switches do not appear to have been the cause of the crash.
The suit, which was submitted to the Delaware Superior Court, names both Boeing and Honeywell as defendants. According to the plaintiffs, the cockpit design placed the fuel cutoff switches in a position that could lead to accidental engagement, thus endangering the aircraft’s operation. The cockpit recordings indicate that the captain may have unintentionally terminated fuel flow to the engines during flight, leading to the fatal incident just seconds after departure.
The FAA had previously issued an advisory in 2018 recommending that operators of various Boeing models, including the 787, inspect the locking mechanism of these switches to mitigate the risk of unintentional manipulation. However, preliminary investigations by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that Air India had not completed these inspections, despite maintenance records indicating that the throttle control module, which houses the fuel switches, had been replaced in 2019 and 2023.
While the preliminary report seemed to clear Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aerospace of direct liability, critics argue that the investigation overly concentrated on pilot actions rather than the potential technical faults. Legal experts have noted that lawsuits in the United States against aircraft manufacturers tend to be a common recourse, as these companies often do not benefit from the same liability limitations faced by airlines. Such legal strategies may increase the likelihood of securing compensation, especially in jurisdictions perceived to be more favorable to plaintiffs.
As the families seek unspecified damages for their losses, this case highlights ongoing discussions in aviation safety and accountability. The tragic event has led to calls for greater scrutiny of manufacturing practices and safety protocols in air travel—a sector that continually adapts and evolves to prioritize passenger safety.
As of the latest stock performance, Boeing experienced a minor dip, falling by nearly 0.2 percent, while Honeywell showed resilience, rebounding to finish the day up 0.3 percent.
This incident marks the first lawsuit in the United States associated with this crash, underlining the complex interplay of aviation safety, corporate responsibility, and legal recourse in the aftermath of such calamities.
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