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1300+The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the September 24th plane crash from earlier this year in Hesperia that killed two people. The report gives the first official look at what witnesses saw before the aircraft went down.
What the NTSB Preliminary Report Says
The single-engine Aeronca 7AC Champion crashed about 1.5 miles southwest of Hesperia Airport, in open desert. Both people aboard, a flight instructor and a passenger, died.
According to the NTSB report, the pilot rented the aircraft that morning and departed from Apple Valley Airport, roughly 16 miles away. The pilot did not mention a destination.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses told investigators they saw the plane’s tail wag. They then saw the aircraft roll and nose-dive toward the ground.
These accounts are valuable, but they are only one piece of the investigation. The NTSB also weighs wreckage evidence, maintenance records, pilot history, and weather conditions.
What Remains Unknown
A preliminary report does not state a cause. The NTSB notes that its findings are preliminary and subject to change.
A final report with a probable cause often takes a year or longer. Until then, the reasons for the crash remain open questions.
Who Could Be Responsible in a Small Aircraft Crash
Responsibility in general aviation accidents can be complicated. Depending on what investigators find, several parties may come under review:
- The pilot or flight instructor
- The aircraft owner or rental operator
- A maintenance or repair provider
- A parts or aircraft manufacturer
No findings of fault have been made in this case. Any claim would depend on evidence that is still being gathered.
Wrongful Death Claims in California
When someone dies because of another party’s negligence, California law allows certain family members and heirs to file a wrongful death claim. The list of eligible people is set out in California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60.
The deadline to file is generally two years from the date of death. Exceptions exist, but waiting can put a claim at risk. Families should not assume they have unlimited time.
Legal Support for Families Throughout San Bernardino County
If your family has been affected by a fatal accident, you do not have to sort through it alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Attorney Jeff can listen to your situation and explain what options may be available.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.