Legal Battle on the Horizon
A major legal push is gathering momentum in the United Kingdom three weeks after the catastrophic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. Several bereaved British families have officially retained the London-based firm Keystone Law to prepare for legal proceedings against both Air India and the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing. The move formalizes the families' quest for answers and justice, with legal action poised to begin once a preliminary investigation report is released, which is expected within ten days.
Elite Team to Probe Technical Failures
Keystone Law has assembled a high-profile team of international experts to lead the case. The team includes a former US Navy aviator and attorney based in Virginia, where Boeing is headquartered, a former Royal Air Force pilot, and a renowned UK barrister. Their investigation is reportedly zeroing in on two alarming technical questions: why the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a backup power system used only in severe emergencies—deployed mid-air, and what caused the subsequent loss of thrust in both engines. "The families of AI171 want truth and justice," said James Healy-Pratt, a partner at the firm. "We believe serious questions will need to be asked of both Air India and Boeing."
Pursuing Substantial Compensation
The legal strategy being considered involves filing lawsuits in either the High Court in London or, significantly, through the US federal court system. Pursuing the case in the United States could lead to substantially higher compensation payouts, potentially reaching $8–10 million per victim, a figure far exceeding the norms in UK or Indian jurisdictions. While the official probe is led by Indian authorities, the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been assisting, given that 52 British nationals were among the 242 people killed on the flight and 19 on the ground.
For the families, the legal action is driven by a profound need for accountability. "There’s a lot of grief and growing anger," Healy-Pratt noted. "Many families feel left in the dark. They want to know why their loved ones lost their lives, and they deserve answers."
