Two People Killed in Winter Haven Aviation Accident

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) officials are investigating a recent Florida aviation accident near Winter Haven that killed the pilot and his passenger. Accident investigators say that a 60-year-old Zephyrhills woman and a 61-year-old Inverness man were the only two people aboard an ultralight aircraft when it crashed. They say that the pilot of the Airborne Windsport experimental aircraft was performing touch-and-go maneuvers when the aircraft hit the ground, flipped and skidded nearly 200 feet before stopping. Early indicators suggest there was a gust of wind that may have contributed to the pilot losing control of his aircraft.

Determining the cause of aviation accidents can be quite difficult and FAA and NTSB officials often pore over the wreckage looking for clues as to why the crash occurred. It is not yet known whether anything beyond an unlucky gust of wind contributed to this accident, but many aviation accidents occur due to pilot error or poor maintenance of an aircraft. If authorities find that either of these conditions was a contributing factor and determine that the pilot, owner or aircraft mechanic was negligent, the negligent parties can be liable for damages.

The final accident report prepared by the FAA and NTSB will likely cite who, if anyone, was responsible for this accident. If they find that there was a flaw in the design or manufacture of the aircraft that contributed to the crash, the company that made the Airborne Windsport could be held liable for damages. If the manufacturer failed to warn buyers about potential dangers of certain maneuvers, low air speeds and other situations, they could also be held liable for damages. There are also many other types of negligence that a skilled Orlando aviation accident lawyer can use to build an effective case for his clients.

If you or a member of your immediate family has been injured in an aviation accident, it is a very good idea to consult with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. James O. Cunningham has been helping injured people since 1977 and has a proven record of success in cases involving aviation accidents caused by negligence. Before you sign any documents offered by the at-fault party or their insurer, call Mr. Cunningham at 800-425-2004 to schedule a free consultation where he can answer your questions, review any documentation and explain your legal options.