Florida Aviation Accident Claims Lives of Six Family Members

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 2, 2012

Six members of a Kansas family returning from a vacation in the Bahamas were killed recently when their 2006 Pilatus PC-12 single-engine light aircraft crashed into the Tiger Creek Preserve near Lake Weohyakapka around 12:36 p.m. According to their flight plan, they had stopped to clear customs at St. Lucie County Airport (FPR) at 10:15 a.m. that morning. After clearing customs, they taxied and took off from St. Lucie at 12:05 p.m. en route to their home in Junction City, Kansas.

The 45-year-old owner and pilot of the Swiss-built single-engine turboprop was at the controls when his aircraft went down. Although Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials are still conducting their investigation, early reports claim that the aircraft was cruising at 26,000 feet when it began to break apart. The wreckage landed in a remote, swampy area of the preserve, making it difficult to get to the crash scene.

Although air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of travel, there are many things that can make it much less safe. Although this aircraft was privately owned and probably very well maintained, very few aircraft break apart in flight. Anything that adversely affects the aerodynamics of the aircraft could have caused extra stress on the struts, ailerons, rudder and other structural and control components.

If the FAA accident investigation reveals that negligent actions or inactions of a worker at FPR led to the aircraft breaking apart in flight, he or she and the employer could be held liable for damages in connection with the accident. If the investigation reveals that a design or manufacturing defect contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.

Aviation accident cases involving negligence can take a very long time. Flight engineers and other expert aviation witnesses frequently need to speak at trials, and there are many other expenses that often go into building an effective case. Not all Orlando personal injury law firms have the expertise and resources to help clients in plane crash cases, but Florida aviation accident attorney James O. Cunningham does. He has the experience, resources and proven record of success to help clients in these types of claims so that clients do not have to pay for these expenses. If you need to speak with an Orlando personal injury lawyer about an aviation accident, call Mr. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 to schedule a free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.