Air India tragedy: ‘Boeing, US aviation regulator knew of 787 water leaks in 2016’ | Ahmedabad News
Mike Andrews (pictured), a US lawyer representing families of over 110 crash victims, told TOI that documents show America’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing knew of Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s water leak problems as early as 2016.“Our team obtained FAA and Boeing documents (which show they knew). The documents include field reports of wet computers in electronic equipment bays,” Andrews told TOI over the phone from the US. “I have purchased the referenced couplings, and our experts are evaluating how they loosen and leak.”
“Water intrusion could affect systems (including the aircraft’s tail battery areas). A water leak into Full Authority Digital Engine Control/Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation computer systems explains the symptoms: flickering lights, electrical resets, and the ram air turbine (RAT) deployment,” he said. “Definitive answers require the flight data recorder (FDR) to consider electrical states and cockpit warnings.“
Andrews said that the latest development in his team’s endeavour to bring those responsible to account is the filing of an application under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain FDR data. He said, “On Sept 16, the agency requested 30 days to respond.”He added that most of the 110-plus families are from India and include victims who were on board the plane as well as those who died on the ground. “Some families also hold UK or Portuguese passports, though they are largely of Indian origin,” he said. “For the US litigation, we let evidence and investigation guide timing. Setting arbitrary dates can leave you without the needed proof.”Andrews said that the families are battling both grief and financial burden. “Some took unsecured loans to study or travel. Banks are now seeking repayment even though the loved ones died,” he said. “Some sold property or borrowed against property to fund their UK plans. The loss is emotional and financial.”
