LAS VEGAS, Nevada – A tragic tourist helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon in February 2018 resulted in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of five British individuals. The Airbus EC130 B4 helicopter spun out of control and crashed, leading to the deaths of all onboard.
A recent development has seen a Nevada court awarding a $100 million dollar payout to the parents of one victim, Jonathan Udall, 31, who suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The settlement, approved by a Nevada judge, stipulates that Udall’s parents will receive $24.6 million from the helicopter operator, Papillon Airways Inc., and $75 million from the aircraft manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters SAS.
The lawsuit highlighted the absence of a crash-resistant fuel system on the helicopter, which caused it to burst into flames upon impact. This led to Udall sustaining burns on 90% of his body and ultimately succumbing to his injuries 12 days later. The Udall family’s lawyer emphasized the desire to raise awareness about this issue and urge the industry to address the safety concerns to prevent similar tragedies in the future, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration’s subsequent implementation of new regulations requiring all helicopters to be equipped with crash-resistant fuel systems.
The tragic helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon in 2018 resulted in significant legal ramifications, with a Nevada court awarding a $100 million dollar settlement to the parents of one victim. The lawsuit brought attention to the lack of a crash-resistant fuel system on the helicopter, prompting action from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance safety measures for helicopters.