Aviation Accidents

Aviation Accidents

For centuries, man has been intrigued by the idea of flying. From the ancient Greek myth of Icarus and his wax wings to the relentless pursuits of the Wright brothers, soaring in the sky has been the dream of many. Modern aviation technology has far surpassed what anyone would've expected a hundred years ago. Commercial airlines are one of the safest methods of transportation; however, private jets and aircrafts are substantially more hazardous, causing thousands of deaths per year.

Who Flies?

Flying a personal aircraft is a luxury that not many people get to experience. Flight lessons are expensive, as is access to a private aircraft. However, those that do get to enjoy the feeling of flight, describe it as an inexpressible joy. Unfortunately, pilots-in-training are often times overly ambitious and try to perform tricks and maneuvers that surpass their skill level. According to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), pilots with less than a hundred hours of experience flying account for 45% of fatal crashes.

Crash Statistics and Causes

Accidents in privately owned aircrafts are fairly common. Data from the NTSB report that 1,670 general aviation accidents occurred in 2005, resulting in 563 deaths.

NTSB reports that personnel-related factors were cited in 91% of the aviation accidents in 2005. Personnel-related factors encompass a broad range of errors which can include:

• Inexperienced pilots
• Overly ambitious tricks, such as diving, flipping, or making u-turns
• Poor planning, such as inadequate gasoline
• Loss of control
• Adverse weather conditions

Crashes in the Media

Frequently, people here about private aviation accidents when a celebrity was involved. Famous people oftentimes enjoy the luxury of a private plane; however, in many situations, this has led to their death. Stars such as vocalist Aaliyah (2001), golfer Payne Stewart (1999), John F. Kennedy and his wife (1999), singer John Denver (1997), Buddy Holly (1953) and many more, all died in plane crashes.

Liability

Depending on the circumstances surrounding an airplane's crash, various people may be liable for the damages caused. In many situations, the pilot's negligence is responsible for the deaths of their passengers; however, other factors may transfer the fault to a pilot training program or airplane manufacturer.

If someone you know was injured or killed in an aviation accident, the case should be investigated to determine liability. Consult an aviation accident attorney to discuss your legal grounds for filing a claim.

For more information about how to pursue legal action for an aviation accident, contact the law office of the Austin aviation accident attorney Vic Feazell, P.C. today.