Fiery Plane Crash on California Freeway
I’m Ed Smith, a California airplane crash lawyer. A June 30, 2017 airplane crash seriously injured two people and damaged several passing vehicles.
What happened?
On June 30, 2017, a twin-engine Cessna 310 lost power to the right engine shortly after take-off from the John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa. After the loss of the one engine, the pilot attempted to regain control of the aircraft and land at the airport.
The pilot was unable to regain control and was forced to make an emergency landing on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles. The pilot was also unable to extend the landing gear in time. This caused the plane to skid on the asphalt and catch fire. The plane then came to a rest against the center divider.
Heroic bystanders pulled the two passengers from the crash.
Injuries Sustained in the Accident
Both victims from the plane crash are receiving treatment at the Orange County Global Medical Center for serious injuries. As of July 1st, the male pilot is in serious but guarded condition while his female passenger is in serious condition.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the injuries sustained in the accident, but our experience as California plane crash lawyers provides insight into common injuries in similar accidents. Victims in similar accidents have sustained trauma to the legs and serious back injuries. In addition, victims of accidents where the landing gear does not deploy can often sustain serious burn injuries.
Damage to Vehicles in the Accident
In addition to the victims and the aircraft, four motor vehicles sustained moderate damage. The plane did not hit any of these cars. Rather, they crashed into each other as a result of attempts to avoid the crashing plane. None of these secondary accidents seriously injured anyone.
What caused the accident?
Authorities have not released any information about what potentially caused the right engine to lose power and lead to the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are both currently investigating.
The most basic assumption is that either a mechanical or electrical problem impacting the aircraft’s right engine. This may be a result of insufficient maintenance, a defect in the engine, or a wiring problem in the aircraft’s electrical system.
Who is responsible?
If an accident is due to poor maintenance or visible defects to the engine, who owns the aircraft is a key concern. The pilot has a duty to inspect the aircraft before the flight to ensure it is airworthy, but it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the aircraft is subject to proper maintenance.
If the engine fails because of a manufacturer defect, then the manufacturer or even designer of the engine are liable for damages caused by the accident. These damages include those people who crash in an attempt to avoid the plane itself.
Other Recent Plane Crashes
This was actually the second plane in a single week to crash on a California freeway. On 24 June, a single engine Cessna 182 operated by the San Jose Skydiving Center crashed onto the Highway 101 on-ramp near San Martin. This pilot sustained only minor injuries in this accident. He was able to control the aircraft’s descent after the engine lost power.
California Airplane Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith and I am a California airplane crash lawyer. If a plane crash impacts you or a loved one, please call me as soon as you are able at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. You may also call toll free at (800) 404-5400.
I have been practicing personal injury law for 34 years and have worked extensively to help victims of plane crashes. Our injury lawyers know the pain that comes from these accidents and are here to help.
Please see my reviews on Yelp, Avvo, and Google to see how I have helped so many other people.
I am also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an association of top-ranked trial lawyers that have won multiple verdicts and settlements worth more than a million dollars.
Image Attribution: YSSYguy at Wikimedia Commons
Sources:
Main accident:
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-plane-crash-405-freeway-20170630-story.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/survivors-freeway-plane-crash-stable-condition-48396007
San Martin accident:
Just bumps, bruises for pilot after Highway 101 crash landing
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