Aviation Law Blog

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a crash involving a skydiving plane in Hawaii, which is the deadliest civil aviation incident in the United States since 2011. Investigators suspect that repairs made to the aircraft, especially those made after a previous crash in 2016, could be responsible for this deadly accident. The real cause, however, won't be established until the investigation is complete. 

A preliminary report of the Hawaii plane crash will be released around the beginning of July, 2019, but the final report may take as long as two years to complete. Witnesses of the incident say that the plane crashed about 20 to 30 seconds after takeoff. Another witness stated that there was a large fire at the site where the plane hit the ground. The identity of the victims has yet to be released.

Sadly, crashes of skydiving planes are relatively common. Skydiving companies frequently use older models of aircraft that have been substantially modified to accommodate jumpers. The nature of the frequent short flights subjects the engines to more "cycles," or take-offs and landings, than would be experienced if the planes were used for transportation purposes, and that significantly increases the stress on engine components. Also, pilots for skydiving companies are often low-time commercial pilots who are using the job to increase their total hours in order to qualify for more lucrative airline positions.

Park Avenue Law has substantial experience litigating cases arising from general aviation aircraft crashes such as this. We handle similar cases worldwide, coordinating with local attorneys to provide a level of experience that is uniquely suited to such cases.

Two individuals were injured as a result of a small plane crash that occurred on June 8. The small plane crashed into a neighborhood in Medford, Oregon. Witnesses say a loud noise was heard before the plane crashed into one neighbor's yard.

According to witnesses, the plane appeared to be landing when it suddenly hit a tree and two parked cars before coming to a stop in front of the home. Neighbors rushed to the aid of the two men who walked out of the plane. One of the men had arm and facial injuries, and the other had facial injuries. The neighbors called the police and helped address the wounds as they waited for first responders to arrive. Both men were taken to a local hospital where they are expected to survive.

Alaska saw its third airplane crash in two weeks when a Cessna A185F Skywagon crashed in Prince William Sound on May 21. The Coast Guard reported the crash around 2 p.m. that day, and four vessels headed out to rescue the three passengers on that plane. The plane was found near Cascade Bay about 20 miles southwest of the city of Valdez.

The Coast Guard and Alaska Air National Guard arrived at the scene after the four vessels. One of the passengers was pronounced dead. The other two were transported by helicopter to a hospital to be treated for "general pains." The cause of the accident has yet to be determined. As for who owned and operated the plane, this also remains unknown.

Common carriers are any business that transports customers for a fee. Examples include buses, taxis, ships, trains and airplanes. When passengers are injured in a common carrier accident, they may have a case against the business.

Many common carriers are under a regulatory body that sets safety standards. For example, commercial airlines are under the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration. When operators fail to uphold these standards, there may be grounds for a personal injury claim. In addition, operators who fail to exercise reasonable care and diligence, even when they do not violate any particular standards, may be held liable for injuries.