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Aviation Accident Attorneys Look at Pilot Error as a Cause of Crashes

September 20, 2013

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September 20, 2013

The Aviation Accident Attorneys with Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy state that pilots have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers at all times. If pilots’ failure to properly maintain or operate aircraft results in crash injuries and fatalities, they can be held responsible for damages.

Pilot Error was named as a contributing factor in a recent crash. Reports indicate the accident happened just before sunrise on Oct. 13, 2012, over the waters between the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to an article from AviationPros.com, the pilot was flying a Piper Aztec aircraft carrying three passengers to deliver newspapers. He was approaching King Airport when the plane suddenly descended into the water and disappeared.

Radar shows the airplane was traveling at roughly 1,700 feet above sea level before slowly descending to 200 feet. The plane only remained at that altitude for 18 seconds before dropping off from contact.

Investigators examined evidence and determined that the pilot had attempted to use visual cues to determine altitude while flying below clouds that were creating turbulent weather. Optical illusions created by the water below allowed the pilot to assume he was higher and slowly descend until the accident occurred.

The law firm’s attorneys sympathize with the families of the victims and encourage anyone who has been impacted by such a crash to discuss their legal options with an attorney.

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