New Delhi, Dec 15 : Mike Andrews, lead lawyer representing more than 65 families affected by the AI171 crash, reaffirmed his commitment to assist the victims during his third visit to India. He emphasised the importance of meeting families to address their concerns, guide them through necessary forms, and provide legal support.
“This is our third visit back to India. We’re trying to meet with the families to understand their questions, help with the forms, and provide guidance. At the same time, we recognise that this is a process, and patience is essential in a situation like this,” Andrews told ANI on Sunday.
He clarified that a formal case would be filed only when the investigation yields sufficient information. The lawyer highlighted the pivotal role of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) in determining the cause of the crash.
“We are closely following the evidence. As soon as we know exactly what happened or have enough information to file a case, we’ll act. Speculation would be inappropriate at this point. We are developing theories based strictly on the evidence, which is why the CVR and FDR are crucial,” he added.
The AI171 tragedy occurred on June 12 when the Air India flight crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming 260 lives including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released a preliminary report detailing the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded within 90 seconds of takeoff. The report noted that both engines unexpectedly shut down during the initial climb, causing catastrophic loss of thrust and a rapid descent.
The crash remains one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent history, leaving a lasting impact on victims’ families and the aviation sector.