ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – The family of a copilot who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in January 2022 has filed a lawsuit, challenging the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash, which occurred just seven minutes after takeoff, resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and copilot.
The wrongful death lawsuit, filed on behalf of the copilot’s family, claims that a malfunction in the airplane cabin heater led to the release of toxic carbon monoxide gas, ultimately causing the pilots to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning and resulting in the crash. The lawsuit names the plane’s owner, the copilot’s employer, and the individual responsible for installing the cabin heater, three days before the crash.
While the NTSB attributed the cause of the crash to the pilot’s loss of control due to “spatial disorientation,” the lawsuit contradicts these findings. It points to the toxicology report showing a severe level of carbon monoxide poisoning in the copilot’s blood and the presence of symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide exposure.
The lawsuit also outlines the timeline of events leading up to the crash, shedding light on the communication between the flight crew and air traffic control. It emphasizes that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented the plane from operating normally.
The NTSB’s report highlighted the lack of night flying experience for both pilots, raising questions about their qualifications for the flight. The lawsuit, on the other hand, challenges the NTSB’s conclusions and calls for further investigation to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident.
As the legal battle unfolds, the family of the copilot seeks accountability and justice through a jury trial. The lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of aviation accidents and the importance of thorough investigations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the conflicting accounts of the crash raise significant concerns and warrant a closer examination to determine the true cause of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two experienced pilots. The resolution of the lawsuit and any additional findings from ongoing investigations will be crucial in providing closure for the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.