Aviation Safety Information Regarding Small Private Airplane Accidents That Result in Fatalities
By: Kreindler Legal Staff
Small Plane Safety Issues Highlighted by String of Recent Crashes
Kreindler & Kreindler works to determine responsibility for each small or private aviation accident.
We are experienced in the intricacies of representing victims and their families in private and small airplane and general aviation accidents. Our staff of attorneys includes pilots, engineers, and a former aviation maintenance specialist. Kreindler partners have served as leading counsel in nearly every major airline disaster case since 1950, securing record amounts of compensation for victims and their families as well as promoting improvements to aviation industry safety standards, practices, laws, and regulations. Flying is safer today, due in no small part to the seventy-year legacy of Kreindler & Kreindler’s advocacy and tenacity following aviation disasters.
Kreindler Aviation Attorneys Are Here to Help You
A Narrow Escape For Some
In a recent incident, a small plane landed upside down in shallow water over the ocean near Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Firefighters arrived on the scene after receiving news that a plane had landed upside-down at the beach. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was "alert and talking" after the crash, authorities say. The plane had been towing an advertising banner at the time of the crash.
In another recent aviation mishap, a movie team crash-landed at the Telluride airport in Colorado due to a mechanical malfunction. Onboard at the time of the crash were author David Shields and publicist Emmy Chang, who were attending a screening of the film at the Telluride Film Festival. No injuries were reported in connection to the crash.
Tragedy For Others
Unfortunately, some of those involved in the recent string of small plane crashes did not manage to escape unharmed, and some even lost their lives. Three passengers were injured over Labor Day weekend when a small airplane crashed near Prince County, Maryland. The plane landed in a stand of trees near a busy freeway, stopping traffic in both directions for several hours. Emergency personnel responding to the crash had to cut the passengers free of the plane, authorities say.
In yet another recent small plane crash, a Canadian charter flight turned tragic when a float plane carrying a group of hikers crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff. The pilot and one passenger were killed in the crash, and at least two others were injured. Just weeks earlier, government safety regulators had issued a report criticizing Transport Canada's failure to take steps to prevent or mitigate post-crash fires in small planes, saying the shortcomings created risks for both pilots and passengers.
In the aftermath of the charter plane crash, Canadian regulators renewed their call for improved fire safety on small planes. Experts have cited passengers' proximity to engine fuel as a risk factor in small plane crashes. Other factors that may increase the risk of injury or death for those involved in small plane crashes include the relatively high risk of becoming trapped in the aircraft, as well as decreased accessibility for emergency personnel responding to crashes in remote areas.
Legal Help For Plane Crash Injuries
People and their loved ones who have experienced injury involving a plane crash should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with plane crashes to discuss their situation.
Study Shows Private Airplane Accidents Result in Most Fatalities
Recently the Federal Aviation Administration decided to eliminate funding for 149 air traffic control towers. Given this decision's tremendous safety impact, airport operators have brought suit in a federal court to prevent the FAA's plan from being implement.
According to ABC News, safety is still one of the FAA's main concerns, and that the closing of the air traffic controllers is necessary in order to eliminate $637 million for the remaining fiscal year ending September 30th. Critics of the FAA's decision state the removal of these towers will undoubtedly decrease safety, which will inevitably increase risk.
The Most Common Aviation Accidents
Although most people are informed of plane crashes involving large, multi-passenger commercial flights, the majority of aviation accidents do not occur in commercial flights. Rather, figures from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that a staggering 97% of aviation fatalities occur in general aviation, not in commercial flights.
According to ABC News, there is an average of five small plane crashes each day, resulting in approximately 500 deaths annually. Understandably, the NTSAB placed the concern of general aviation on its list of "most wanted" safety improvements. In fact, the NTSB believes that such crashes could actually be avoided with proper training.
The damage caused by aviation accidents is unfathomable. When someone has fallen victim to such tragedies, it is imperative that the responsible parties be held accountable. Oftentimes, aviation accidents are the result of several different causes. In addition to the several contributing factors, receiving compensation for plane crashes becomes even more difficult due to federal guidelines.
For instance, the General Aviation Revitalization Act grants immunity to aircraft manufacturers regarding products liability claims when the plane is more than 18 years old. However, just because immunity provisions exist, it doesn't mean that injured parties or family members should not be properly compensated.
Recovering Damages in an Intricate Field of Law
Of course, careful attention must be paid at all stages of litigation involving aviation law. Private plane crashes, in particular, demand that even more detail be used in determining the cause of the crash
Any individual who is considering a suit related to flight or aviation should contact an experienced aircraft accident attorney. Any experienced attorney's knowledge will be invaluable throughout the litigation process.