Introduction
On June 12, 2025, a tragic plane crash occurred involving Air India flight AI 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The Boring 787-8 Dreamliner was headed to London Gatwick but unfortunately crashed into a hostel block of BJ Medical College, killing 261 People, including crew members, passengers and 19 civilians. Among the dead were 52 British nationals. Many UK Law firms, including Keystone Law and Capstone, filed a case against Air India to help victims’ families.
Background
Aircraft inspection is being transferred to the Supreme Court, requesting a suspension of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet until a thorough safety audit analysis is carried out, among the concerns regarding the aviation sector. Investigations into the June 12 crash of AI171 are still being carried out, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with the help of Boeing and the American National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Simulator tests could not replicate the crash using standard configurations, signifying a severe technical failure. Bloomberg reports hint at the possibility of engine failure on both engines, aided by the ram air turbine deployment (RAT) and landing gear irregularities, suggesting possible electrical or hydraulic issues related to engine failure. The accident is the first fatal accident involving a Dreamliner and thus a major global aviation incident.
Tata Sons has issued ₹ 1 crore compensation to the families of the deceased and the sole survivor, while Air India paid ₹25 lakh as advance relief. The final compensation will be decided under the Montreal Convention, which rules international air travel liability. Legal intricacies have prompted several UK companies, such as Keystone Law, to stand up for families to find justice. The British Government also pointed out that the Indian Government need to take responsibility for the incident.
Key Points
- Multidimensional Probe Prob: India’s AAIB is probing the crash with the help of the UK’s AAIB, US NTSB, and Boeing. The Black boxes were recovered, and initial data ensures proper takeoff setup. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation provides guidance for further probing the Boeing 787 fleet.
- Relief Provided: As compensation, ₹1 crore provided to families of all deceased and injured. The UK government and King Charles III led public tributes.
Recent Development
An Air India pilot took the step to conduct simulator tests in clear, crisp, and calm conditions, but the flight stayed aloft, suggesting underlying technical defects. Air India officially denied any involvement. The AAIB investigation is ongoing, with black box analysis in progress.
Stewart’s, a UK law firm, has gone on to allege that Air India compelled the victims’ families to make financial revelations. Air India later denied the allegations, which said the questionnaire was used to confirm kinship and deal with compensation appropriately.
Further flight numbers AI171 and IX171 have been officially retired by Air India and Air India express.
Conclusion
The Air India AI171 crash has initiated an inquiry at the domestic level and stringent legal and ethical security measures worldwide. As investigations continue over possible technical failure, grieving families call for justice amid controversies over compensation policy. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the imposition of accountability, transparency, and more stringent aviation safety measures.
“PRIME LEGAL is a full-service law firm that has won a National Award and has more than 20 years of experience in an array of sectors and practice areas. Prime legal falls into the category of best law firm, best lawyer, best family lawyer, best divorce lawyer, best divorce law firm, best criminal lawyer, best criminal law firm, best consumer lawyer, best civil lawyer.”
WRITTEN BY AYUSHI TRIVEDI
