Helicopter Crash Litigation: Third Edition

• Author: Gary C. Robb
  
• ISBN 10: 1-936360-94-2
• ISBN 13: 978-1-936360-94-9
  
• Copyright Date Ed:  July 26, 2023
  
• Pages: 656
  
• Binding Information: Casebound
  
• Size: 11 X 8.5 Inches (US)

Topics Include

• Helicopter Flight, Operation and Control
• Helicopter Crash Dynamics
• Common Crash Sequence and Impact Scenarios
• Pre-Filing Matters
• Factual Investigation
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Weather and Environmental Conditions
• Collectibility and Insurance Coverage Issues
• Liability Experts: Selection, Retention and Utilization
• Helicopter Wreckage: Acquisition, Preservation and Storage
• Military Helicopter Crashes
• Filing the Helicopter Crash Lawsuit
• Wire Strike Incidents
• Pilot Error
• Maintenance Personnel
• Manufacturer of Helicopter
• Discovery and Case Development
• Document Requests
• Common Defenses in Helicopter Crash Cases
• State Statutes of Limitations and Repose
• General Aviation and Revitalization Act (GARA)
• Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
• Forum Non Conveniens
• Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act
• Contributory or Comparative Negligence
• Common Evidentiary Issues
• Demonstrative Evidence
• Computer-Generated Animation or Simulation of Crash Sequence
• Photographs of Crash Scene and Helicopter Wreckage
• Daubert Challenges
• Damages In Helicopter Crash Cases
• Punitive Damages
• Pre-Trial Matters
• Trial Matters
• Jury Selection
• Opening and Closing Statement
• Cross-Examination
• Safety Improvements for the Helicopter Industry
• Mission-Specific Recommendations for Enhanced Safety
• Sample Pleadings in Helicopter Crash Cases
• Significant Helicopter Crash Case Decisions

Table of Contents

About the Author
Foreword  Preface to Third Edition
Preface to Second Edition
Preface to First Edition
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Part I:

The Basics of Helicopter Structure, Operation and Performance

Chapter 1: Introduction to Helicopter Flight

Operation and Control 

Introduction 

11.1 Helicopter Structure and Flight Systems 

A. Basic Structure 

B. The Rotor System 

1. Torque 

2. Blade Flap 

3. Blade Pitch 

4. Blade Lead or Lag 

C. Helicopter Systems 

1. Piston Engines 

2. Turbine Engines 

3. Transmission 

4. Main Rotor System 

5. Swashplate Assembly 

6. Tail Rotor Drive System 

7. Fuel System 

8. Electrical System 

9. Hydraulic System 

1.2 Flight Controls and Operation 

A. Collective Pitch Control 

B. Cyclic Pitch Control 

C. Swashplates 

D. Tail Rotor Pedals 

E. Throttle Control 

1.3 Helicopter Aerodynamics: What Makes It Fly? 

A. Aerodynamic Forces 

B. Aerodynamic Lift 

C. Angle of Attack and Stall 

D. Translational Lift 

E. Flight Stability 

F. Height Velocity Diagram or Dead Man’s Curve 

1.4 Piloting a Helicopter 

A. The Hover 

B. Take Off to Forward Flight 

C. Turns 

D. FAA Requirements 

1.5 Emergency Conditions—Flight Irregularities and Systems Malfunction 

A. Autorotation 

B. Hydraulic System Failure 

C. Dynamic Rollover 

D. Ground Resonance 

E. Settling With Power 

F. Retreating Blade Stall 

G. Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness 

H. Failure of Tail Rotor System 

Endnotes 

Chapter 2: Helicopter Crash Dynamics—Common Crash Sequence and Impact Scenarios 

Introduction 

2.1 Impact Categories 

A. Hard Landing 

B. Survivable Crash 

C. High Impact Crash 

2.2 Impact Dynamics 

A. Direction of Impact 

1. Vertical Impact 

2. Horizontal Impact 

3. Angled Impact 

B. Rotational Inertia 

2.3 Common Mechanical System Failures 

A. Engine Failure 

1. Turbine Engine Failure 

2. Piston Engine Failure 

B. Transmission Failure 

C. Main Rotor System Failure 

D. Tail Rotor System Failure 

E. Control System Failure 

F. In-Flight Fire 

1. Electrical Fire 

2. Fuel Fire 

G. Restraint System Failures and Crashworthiness 

H. Electrical System Malfunction 

I. Helicopter Structure, System or Component Part Design Failure 

Endnotes 28

Part II:

The Basics of Helicopter Crash Litigation

Chapter 3: Pre-Filing Matters 

Introduction 

3.1 Preliminary Factual Investigation 

A. Initial Client Contact and Retention—The

Statutory Time Constraints 

B. Initial Interaction with the National

Transportation Safety Board 

C. Inspection and Documentation of the Helicopter Crash Site 

D. Acquisition of Investigative Materials from

Local Government Agencies and Media Outlets 

E. Interviews of All Eye and Ear Witnesses to the Helicopter Crash 

F. Acquisition and Review of Engine and

Maintenance Logbooks 

G. Assessing Weather and Environmental

Conditions 

H. Pilot’s Training, Certification and Ratings 

I. Collectibility and Insurance Coverage Issues 

J. Practice Checklist: Helicopter Crash Initial

Factual Investigation Checklist 

3.2 Early Selection, Retention and Utilization of

Liability Experts 

A. Criticality of Early Retention 

B. Selecting the Necessary and Appropriate Fields

of Expertise 

C. Considerations for Hiring Helicopter Crash

Experts 

D. Use of Team Approach for Liability Experts 

E. Expert Assistance Throughout Investigation and Discovery 

3.3 Acquisition, Preservation and Storage of the

Helicopter Wreckage 

3.4 Inspection and Examination of the Helicopter Wreckage 

3.5 Factual Investigation of Military Helicopter

Crashes 

3.6 Acquisition of Records from the Federal Aviation Administration 

A. Air Traffic Control Data 

B. Aircraft Ownership Records 

C. Pilot’s Flight and Medical File 

D. Service Difficulty Reports and Accident/Incident Reports 

E. Service Letters, Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives 

F. Federal Aviation Regulations 

3.7 Mining Technical and Professional Journals 

3.8 Accepting or Declining the Representation 

A. Standard for Accepting Representation Helicopter Crash Cases Which Should Be

Declined 

1. Minimal Injury or Close Call Cases

2. Crashes of Experimental or Home-Built Helicopters 

3. Claims for Pilot or Pilot’s Family in Face of Pilot’s Clear Negligence 

4. Lawyer-Switching Clients 

5. No Plaintiff Scenarios 

6. Target Defendant Judgment Proof or Insolvent 

7. The Unsure Plaintiff 

8. The Previously Filed and Mishandled Case 

C. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in Multiple

Representation 

D. Filing Suit Promptly After Representation

Accepted 

Endnotes 

Chapter 4: Filing the Helicopter Crash Lawsuit 

Introduction 

4.1 Determining the Cause of the Crash 

A. Loss of Main Rotor Control 

B. Loss of Tail Rotor Function 

C. Main Rotor Strike to Fixed Obstacle 

D. Helicopter Component Part or System Failure 

E. Helicopter Engine Failure or Power Loss 

F. Wire Strike Incidents 

G. Pilot Error 

H. Pilot Incapacitation 

I. Pilot Distraction 

J. Pilot Spatial Disorientation 

K. Improper Maintenance 

L. Mid-Air Collision 

M. Avionics or Instrument Failure 

N. In-Flight Fire or Explosion 

O. Mid-Air Break-Up or Structural Failure 

P. Fuel Starvation, Exhaustion or Contamination 

Q. Sabotage and Combat Operations 

R. Weather or Environmental Factors 

S. Air Traffic Control Error 

4.2 Assessing Survivability and Crashworthiness

Issues 

A. Occupant Protection 

B. Restraint Systems 

C. Structural Integrity and Seat Design 

D. Post-Impact Fire or Explosion 

4.3 Non-Occupant Injuries and Deaths 

A. Boarding or Deboarding Incidents 

B. Persons On Ground 

C. Maintenance-Related Accidents 

4.4 Identification of Potential Target Defendants 

A. Pilot of Helicopter 

B. Operator of Helicopter 

C. Maintenance Personnel 

D. Manufacturer of Helicopter 

E. Distributor of Helicopter 

F. Helicopter Engine Manufacturer 

G. Helicopter Component Part Manufacturer 

H. Air Traffic Control 

I. Lessor of Helicopter 

J. Owner or Leasee of Helicopter 

K. Travel Coordinator, Broker or Concierge 

L. Fixed Base Operator 

M. Pilots of Other Aircraft 

N. Electrical or Utility Companies 

O. Wire Strike Protection Manufacturers 

P. Film Production Companies 

Q. Hospitals or Regional Medical Centers 

R. Certification or Testing Laboratory 

S. Flight Training Schools 

T. Airport, Heliport, or Helipad Operators 

U. Helmet, Seat or Seat Belt Manufacturer 

V. Fire and Rescue Personnel 

4.5 Jurisdictional and Choice of Laws Issues 

A. Jurisdiction Over Foreign Helicopter or Helicopter Component Manufacturers 

1. The Impact of Ford v. Montana in Helicopter Crash Lawsuits 

2. Jurisdictional Discovery 

B. Specific versus General Jurisdiction 

C. Selection of Lawful and Appropriate Forum 

1. Jurisdiction Over Essential Defendants

2. Liability, Procedural and Evidentiary Considerations

3. Damages Issues 

4. Choice of Law Considerations 

D. Venue 

E.The Federal versus State Court Decision 

F. Filing Foreign Helicopter Crash Cases in U.S. 

4.6 Dealing With Specialized Statutes and Regulations Potentially Applicable to Helicopter Crash Lawsuits 

A. General Aviation and Revitalization Act 

B. Federal Tort Claims Act 

C. Death on the High Seas Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 

D. Federal Aviation Regulations 

E. State Workers’ Compensation Statutes 

F. State Statutes Imposing Liability on Aircraft Owners and Leasees 

4.7 Finding and Working with Local Counsel 

4.8 Common Legal Theories in Helicopter Crash

Lawsuits 

A. Negligence 

B. Strict Products Liability 

C. Breach of Warranty 

1. Express Warranty 

2. Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose 

3. Implied Warranty of Merchantability 

D. Fraud and Misrepresentation 

E. Liability for Punitive Damages 

4.9 Pleading Issues 

A. Drafting the Initial Complaint 

B. Challenging Sufficiency of Defendant’s Answer 

Endnotes 

Chapter 5: Discovery and Case Development 

Introduction 

5.1 Sequence of Discovery 

5.2 Written Discovery 

A. Effective Use of Interrogatories 1

B. Effective Use of Document Requests 

1. Aircraft Type Certification 

2. Field Data and Customer Feedback 

3. Reported Accidents or Incidents 

4. Company Organization Chart 

5. Insurance Documentation 

6. Airworthiness Directives, Service Letters and Service Bulletins 

7. Warranty Claims and Lawsuits 

8. Internal Engineering Meeting Minutes and Memoranda 

9. Subject Accident Investigation File 

C. Effective Use of Request for Admissions 103

1. Jurisdictional and Venue Facts 

2. Defendant’s Relation to the Aircraft or Product at Issue 

3. Accident Facts 

5.3 Fact Depositions 

A. On-Scene Witnesses 

B. Maintenance Personnel 

C. NTSB Investigators 

D. FAA Personnel 

E. Surviving Passengers 

F. Pilot and Co-Pilot 

G. Defendant Manufacturer’s In-House Engineers

and Employees 

H. Remaining Defendants

I. Plaintiff’s Deposition 

5.4 Expert Depositions 

A. Preparing Plaintiff’s Experts 

B. Deposing Defendant’s Experts 

5.5 Common Discovery Issues 

A. Conducting Discovery in Foreign Countries 

B. Utilizing Freedom of Information Act

Requests 

C. Discovery in U.S. Military Helicopter

Accidents 

D. Protective Orders 

E. Electronic Discovery 

1. Discovery of Electronically-Stored Information (ESI)

2. Organizing and Retrieving Electronic Data 

F. Proportionality Considerations 

G. Use of Virtual or Remote Depositions 

5.6 Case Development Matters 

A. Consolidation for Discovery or Trial 

B. Discovery Schedule and Trial Setting 

5.7 In-Depth Examination and Testing 

A. Of Subject Helicopter, Engine and Component

Part or System 

B. Of Exemplar Helicopter, Engine and

Component Part or System 

5.8 Alternative or Informal Discovery Methods 

A. Networking With Other Aviation Counsel 

B. Patent and Trademark Searches 

C. Defendant’s Litigation History 

D. Defendant’s Website 

E. Technical and Trade Literature 

Endnotes 1

Chapter 6: Common Defenses in Helicopter Crash Cases 

Introduction 

6.1 Time-Based Defenses 

A. State Statutes of Limitations and Repose 

B. General Aviation and Revitalization Act 

1. Knowing Misrepresentation Exception 

2. Air Ambulance Exception 

3. Out of Aircraft Exception 

4. Written Warranty Exception 

5. Re-triggering Provision for New Part or System 

6.2 Jurisdictional Defenses 

A. Federal Preemption 

B. Forum 

C. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act 

D. Federal Officer Removal Statute 

E. Outside of Maximum Reach of Long-Arm

Statute 

6.3 Substantive Defenses 

A. Product Misuse or Alteration of Component

Part 

B. Contributory or Comparative Negligence 

C. Assumption of Risk 

D. Government Contractor Defense 

E. Useful Safe Life Presumptions 

F. Compliance with Government Standards 

G. State of the Art Defense 

Endnotes 

Chapter 7: Common Evidentiary Issues 

Introduction

7.1 Preparation and Effective Use of Demonstrative Evidence 

A. Model of the Subject Helicopter or System 

B. Topographical Model or Map of Crash Site 

C. Computer-Generated Animation or Simulation of Crash Sequence 

D. Computer Animation of Helicopter Component or System Function 

E. In-Court Demonstrations or Experiments 

7.2 Photographs of Crash Scene and Helicopter

Wreckage 

7.3 Jury View of Helicopter Wreckage 

7.4 NTSB Reports 

7.5 FAA Records 

A. Air Traffic Control Communications 

B. Governmental Investigative Reports 

C. Non-Accident Specific FAA Documents and Materials 

7.6 Service Difficulty Reports, Airworthiness

Directives, Service Bulletins and Service Letters, and Malfunction and Defect Reports 

A. Service Difficulty Reports 

B. Airworthiness Directives 

C. Service Bulletins and Service Letters

D. Malfunction and Defect Reports 

7.7 Internal Company Documents 

7.8 Daubert Motions to Exclude Expert Testimony 

A. Meeting the Daubert Challenge 

1. Retain the Most Qualified Expert Possible for That Particular and Narrow Subject Matter _

2. The Expert’s Report Must Be Comprehensive and All Facts Must Be Supported by Reference  

to the Record _

3. Learn the Judge’s Specific Daubert Approach _

4. Schedule Daubert Hearing as Early as Possible _

5. Never Rely on an Expert’s Affidavit but Present Live Testimony _

6. Compare and Contrast with Defense Expert Qualifications _

7. Have All Trial Demonstrative Aids Ready _

8. Retain More Experts and Narrow Field of Expertise _

9. Discretely Handle the "Testing" Issue _

B. Challenging Defense Experts 

7.9 Substantially Similar Incidents and Crashes 

A. Legal Standard for Admissibility 

1. Offered as Proof of Causation 

2. Offered as Proof of Design or Manufacturing Defect 

3. Offered as Notice of Defect 

4. Offered as Proof of Negligence or Failure to Warn 

5. Offered as Impeachment of Defendant’s Experts 

6. Rebuttal of Defendant’s Contentions 

7. Offered as Proof of Punitive Liability 

B. Meeting the Challenge to Similar Incident

Evidence 

7.10 Subsequent Remedial Measures 

7.11 Prior Lawsuits and Claims 

7.12 Federal Aviation Regulations 

7.13 Use of Accident Statistics 

Endnotes 

Chapter 8: Damages In Helicopter Crash Cases 

Introduction 

8.1 Non-Unique Damages Issues In Helicopter Crash Cases

A. Wrongful Death 

1. Economic Loss 

2. Non-Economic Loss 

B. Debilitating Physical Injury 

8.2 Typical Damages Issues In Helicopter Crash

Litigation 

A. Pre-Impact Terror 

1. The Legal Framework 

2. Sufficiency of Pre-Impact Terror Evidence 

3. Proving Pre-Impact Terror 

4. Sample Direct Examination of Pre-Impact Terror Expert 

B. Post-Impact Conscious Pain and Suffering 

C. Severe Burn Injuries 

D. Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) 

E. Ground Impact Damages 

F. Hull Damage 

8.3 Punitive Damages in Helicopter Crash Cases 

Endnotes 

Chapter 9: Pre-Trial Matters 

Introduction 

9.1 Final Trial Preparation 

A. Logistics and Witness Scheduling 

B. Dismissal of Non-Essential Defendants and

Claims 

C. Witness Selection 

D. Editing Videotaped Deposition Testimony 

9.2 Final Witness Preparation 

A. Client Preparation for Trial 

B. Fact Witness Preparation for Trial

C. Expert Witness Preparation for Trial 

9.3 Final Briefing Preparation 

A. Motions in Limine 

1. Settlement Negotiations or Offers to Settle 

2. Reference to the NTSB Probable Cause Report 

3. Potential Financial Burden of An Adverse Verdict On Any Defendants or Reference to Limited Assets or Wealth 

4. Plaintiff’s Attorney’s Fees or That Plaintiff’s Attorneys Have a Contingency in the Recovery 

5. That Any Damages Awarded Would Not Be Subject to Taxes 

6. Expressions of Sorrow, Remorse or Apology By Helicopter Crash Defendants 

7. That the Trial or Civil Justice System is a “Lottery” or “Crapshoot” or “Monopoly Game” or Similar Language Intended to Impart Unflattering Intentions to Plaintiffs 

8. Argument By Defense Counsel That We Live in a “Litigious Society” or “Sue Happy Society” 

9. Defense Expert Opinions for Which That Expert is Not Qualified 

B. Trial Brief 

C. Trial Memoranda 

9.4 Request for Sequestration of Witnesses 

9.5 Use of Jury Focus Group and Jury Consultants 

9.6 Dealing with Media in High Profile Helicopter Crash Cases 

9.7 Development of Case Theme for Trial 

A. Case Theme Examples 

1. “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It.” 

2. “The Helicopter Manufacturer Ran a Red Light.”

3. “You Break It, You Pay For It.” 

4. “When You Point To Someone Else, Three Fingers Point Back At You.”

5. “Do As I Say, Not As I Do.” 

6. “Don't Bother Me With The Facts.” 

7. “Johnny Didn’t Break The Lamp, But…” 

B. Case Theme Reversing Principle Weakness in

Case 

C. Case Theme Focusing on Specific Impact of

Injury 

D. Case Theme Directly Contrary to the Main

Defense 

9.8 Jury Instructions 

A. General Considerations 

B. Standard Jury Instructions 

1. General Jury Instructions. 

2. Elements of Recovery 

3. Affirmative Defenses 

4. Punitive Damages Liability 

5. Damages Elements 

6. Procedure and Manner of Deliberations Instructions

7. Form of Verdict 

C. Examples of Jury Instructions 

1. Instruction as to Statement of Case 

2. Instruction as to Film Company Negligence 

3. Instruction as to Pilot Negligence 

9.8 Settlement Considerations 

Endnotes 

Chapter 10: Trial 

Introduction 

10.1 Jury Selection 

A. Objectives 

B. Suggested Voir Dire Questions, Trial Excerpts

and Commentary 

1. Previous Experience with the Court System 

2. Prior Knowledge of the Helicopter Crash 

3. Experience of Accidental or Sudden Death of Relative or Close Friend 

4. Aviation Experiences and Beliefs 

5. Other Relevant Experiences 

6. Philosophical, Religious or Moral Beliefs Interfering with Ability to Serve as Juror 

7. Relevant Beliefs about Court System 

10.2 Opening Statement 

A. Objectives and Suggested Techniques 

1. Do Not Argue the Case and be Absolutely Precise about the Facts 

2. Do Not Use Notes 

3. Be Yourself 

4. Make Extensive Use of Exhibits and Demonstrative Aids 

B. Sample Outline of Opening Statement 

1. Capsule 

2. Civics 

3. Rules and Standards of Conduct 

4. Identification of Helicopter and Component Part or System at Issue 

5. Story of the Helicopter Crash 

6. Liability and Fault 

7. Damages Caused By Defendants’ Conduct 

8. Defenses 

9. Wrap Up 

C. Trial Excerpts and Commentary 

10.3 Plaintiff’s Case-In-Chief 

A. Direct Examination of On-Scene Witnesses 

B. Direct Examination of Defendant’s Corporate Representatives 

C. Direct Examination of Plaintiff’s Expert

Witnesses 

1. Sample Direct Examination Outline: Plaintiff’s Aircraft Accident Reconstruction Expert 

2. Trial Excerpts and Commentary 

D. Direct Examination of Damages Witnesses 

1. Objectives and Suggested Techniques 

2. Trial Excerpts and Commentary 

E. Direct Examination of Plaintiffs 

1. Objectives, Suggested Techniques and Sample Outline

2. Trial Excerpts and Commentary 

10.4 Defendant’s Case-in-Chief 

A. Cross-Examination of Defendant’s Corporate Representative 

B. Cross-Examination of Defense Expert

Witnesses 

10.5 Plaintiff’s Rebuttal Evidence 

10.6 Closing Argument 

A. Objectives and Suggested Techniques 

B. Sample Outline of Closing Argument

1. Closing Capsule 

2. Jury’s Role 

3. Preliminary Jury Instructions 

4. What Happened? 

5. Review of the Required Elements for a Finding of Liability as to Each Defendant 

6. Measuring the Harms and Losses to the Plaintiff 

7. Suggesting a Verdict Range 

C. Trial Excerpts of Liability Argument and Commentary 

D. Trial Excerpts of Damages Argument and Commentary 

10.7 Plaintiff’s Rebuttal Argument 

Part III:

Safety Recommendations

for the Helicopter Industry

Chapter 11: Generic Safety Improvements for the Helicopter Industry 

Introduction 

11.1 Safer Design and Manufacturing Processes 

A. Addressing Known Design and Manufacturing Deficiencies 

B. Enhanced Reporting of Helicopter Accidents

or Incidents and Component or System

Malfunction 

C. Combatting Post-Impact Fires by Installation of Crash Resistant Fuel Systems 

11.2 Enhanced Management Oversight 

11.3 Improved Maintenance Procedures 

A. Strict Compliance with Manufacturer’s Maintenance Program 

B. Helicopter-Specific Training for Mechanics 

C. Implementation of Health and Usage

Monitoring Systems 

11.4 Pilot Training and Flight Restrictions 

11.5 Mandatory Equipment 

A. Night Vision Goggles 

B. Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System

C. Global Positioning System Technology

D. Multi-Engine Helicopters 

E. Flotation and Locator Devices 

F. Flight Data Recorder 

11.6 Enhanced FAA Regulatory Oversight 

Endnotes 

Chapter 12: Mission-Specific Recommendations for Enhanced Safety 

Introduction 

12.1 Helicopter Touring Industry 

A. Greater Scrutiny and Monitoring of Tour

Operator Management and Maintenance

Practices

B. Enhanced Pilot Training and Experience

C. Pre-Determined Flight Path 

D. Independent Risk Assessment of Weather Conditions 

E. Dedicated Non-Pilot Tour Guide or Recorded Commentary 

F. Minimize Crowded Airspace 

G. Minimum Hover and Flight Distances 

12.2 News-Gathering Operations 

A. Eliminate Reporting Duties for Pilots of News-Gathering Helicopters 

B. Enhanced Visibility of Aircraft 

C. Enhanced Air and Ground Communications

Among News-Gathering Pilots 

12.3 Air Ambulance Services 

A. Implementation of Flight Risk Assessment

Program 

B. Installation of Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System 

C. Mandatory Use of Night Vision Goggles 

D. Enhanced Pilot Training 

12.4 Utility Wire Inspection 

A. Advance Ground or Aerial Reconnaissance 

B. Separate Spotter or Observer 

C. Mandatory Attendance at Wire Strike

Avoidance Training 

D. Greater Use of Marker Devices on Utility

Wires 

12.5 Search and Rescue Operations 

12.6 Law Enforcement and Border Patrol Usage 

12.7 Military Training Exercises 

12.8 Private Transportation 

12.9 Transport to Offshore Oil Platforms 

12.10 Fire-Fighting Operations 

Endnotes 

Appendix A: Sample Pleadings in Helicopter Crash Cases 

A.1 Sample Complaint 1: Helicopter Engine Design (Nozzle Guide Vane Failure) 

A.2 Sample Complaint 2: Helicopter Mechanical

System Malfunction Due to Manufacturing Defect

(Tail Rotor System) 

A.3 Sample Complaint 3: Helicopter Pilot Error

(Wire Strike) 

A.4 Sample Complaint 4: Helicopter Mechanic

Negligence (Failure to Properly Install and Secure

Connection Hardware for Fore/Aft Servo Assembly) 

A.5 Sample Complaint 5: Helicopter Defective Fuel Tank (Failure to Equip with Crash Resistant Fuel System) 

A.6 Sample First Set of Interrogatories: Helicopter

Engine Failure/Design Defect 

A.7 Sample First Set of Interrogatories: Helicopter Component Part Manufacturer 

A.8 Sample First Set of Interrogatories: Helicopter

Pilot Error 

A.9 Sample First Set of Interrogatories: Helicopter

Mechanic Negligence 

A.10 Sample First Set of Interrogatories: Helicopter

Defective Fuel Tank 

A.11 Sample First Request for Production of

Documents: Helicopter Engine Failure/Design Defect 

A.12 Sample First Request for Production of Documents: Helicopter Component Part Manufacturer 

A.13 Sample First Request for Production of Documents: Helicopter Pilot Error

A.14 Sample First Request for Production of 

Documents:  Helicopter Mechanic Negligence 

A.15 Sample First Request for Production of 

Documents:  Helicopter Defective Fuel Tank ___

A.16 Sample Plaintiff’s Brief in Opposition to

Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Based on GARA 

Appendix B: Significant Helicopter Crash Case Decisions 

Explanatory Note 

B.1 Barnett v. La Societe Anonyme Turbomeca France (1998) 

B.2 Boyle v. United Technologies Corporation (1988) 

B.3 Ford Motor Company v. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court (2021) 

B.4 Four Corners Helicopters, Inc. v. Turbomeca, S.A. (1992) 

B.5 Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall (1984) 

B.6 Letz v. Turbomeca Engine Corporation (1997) 

B.7 Riggs v. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (2020) 

B.8 Sikkelee v. Precision Airmotive Corporation (2020). 

Table of Cases and Statutes 

Index