Information about Runway Accidents
The most dangerous parts of a flight are the takeoff and landing. Statistically, most accidents occur during these times. According to data compiled from 2004 through 2013, 14 percent of plane accidents occurred during takeoff and initial climb, and 47 percent occurred during final approach and landing. There are several reasons why these parts of a flight are the most hazardous. For one thing, takeoff and landing are when an aircraft is closest to the ground. Also, planes are traveling slower and doing more maneuvering during these procedures. Lastly, there are more planes in the airspace when taking off or landing at an airport.
If you or a family member has been injured or lost a loved one during a runway accident, it is important to contact an experienced Omaha runway accident attorney. The hundreds of government rules and regulations concerning air travel can make aviation accident cases complex and confusing, so you need qualified representation. The legal team at Cullan & Cullan LLC can inform you of your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Call us at (402) 882-7080 to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Runway Accidents
Takeoff and landing accidents are usually related to the following causes:
- Pilot error - A pilot, due to lack of experience or poor judgment, can make a mistake while maneuvering the plane.
- Air traffic control error - Controlling air traffic is particularly complex around an airport. Dozens of planes are taking off and landing at the same time in a small place. A mistake can result in an in-air collision or runway incursion (when a plane or other vehicle is on the runway where another plane is supposed to land).
- Mechanical or design failure - Such as landing gear that doesn’t deploy or wing flaps that malfunction.
- Poor maintenance - Such as landing gear tires not being properly inflated or the plane not being sufficiently de-iced.
- Weather/Nature - A plane skidding off an icy runway or birds flying into jet engines.
- Crew error - Many accidents occur when luggage isn’t properly secured and shifts and falls during takeoff and landing.
As you can imagine, with so many possible causes for a runway accident, there are many people who can be held liable.
In the case of human error, a pilot, crew member, or ground crew member may be found to be negligent. Note: air traffic controllers fall under a different category (see below).
All air traffic controllers are employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a federal agency. A claim regarding an accident resulting from an error by a federal employee must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA is a set of rules and procedures that must be followed when suing a federal employee.
If an accident is caused by a faulty part or mechanical failure, a product liability claim can be filed.
As you can see, a runway accident is a very complicated matter with many possible responsible parties. If you are considering filing a lawsuit in relation to a runway accident, it is vital to seek the counsel of a seasoned aviation law attorney. The Nebraska law offices of Cullan & Cullan have represented many clients in aviation-related legal action and won substantial settlements.
Call them today at (402) 882-7080 and discuss your case with a concerned professional.