An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a small plane crash that killed three people near the Essex County Airport on Monday, July 5. A news report in The Star-Ledger, reported that the pilot was a well known rheumatologist in New York who was attempting to land the plane when she pulled up and crashed into a grassy field near the airport. The two passengers were relatives of the doctor. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) say that it could be months before the cause of the crash is determined, as the plane was not equipped with a flight recorder, also known as a “black box” (now commonly found in cars and trucks as well).
The Cirrus SR22 single-engine plane took off from Plattsburgh, New York, a small city on the edge of Lake Champlain near Canada’s border. Investigators stated that the extent of injuries and damage could have been much worse had it not been for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, resulting in fewer workers to be in the vicinity of the crash.
Air travel has long been considered one of the safest modes of travel in the United States. However, negligent and careless operation of a plane (contrary to safety laws and regulations), poor plane design and maintenance, and/or mechanical failures can all lead to aviation accidents; resulting in catastrophic injury or death. These aviation regulations apply, in varying degrees, to small charter planes, helicopters and other aircraft, as well as to commercial jet liners.
If a plane crash occurs due to negligence, surviving victims or family members of deceased victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, contact an experienced New Jersey aviation accident attorney at Blume Forte to help you understand your rights. We have the resources and experience required to comprehensively evaluate your potential claim in this complex field of litigation. Call us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.