The US Department of Transportation fined Asiana $500,000 today for failing to live up to its obligations under the Family Assistance Act of 1996 in the days following the crash of flight 214. Instead of getting crucial information to the victims and their families, Asiana was busy publicizing its plans to sue KTVU for "disparaging"
NTSB Faults Aircraft Owner for Running Engine Past TBO
Aircraft engine manufacturers recommend that owners overhaul their engines when the engines have accumulated a set number of flight hours. Depending on the make and model, the "Time Between Overhaul" ranges from 1200 to 2400 hours. No regulation requires the general aviation aircraft owner to comply with the manufacturer’s recommended TBO. As far as the
NTSB Asks FAA To Ground R44’s WIth Aluminum Fuel Tanks
Robinson Helicopters has been installing bladder-style fuel tanks in its R44 helicopters since 2009. But much of the fleet manufactured before then is still flying with the old-style aluminum tanks that tend to rupture in otherwise minor accidents.
Last year, following a string of needless post-crash R44 fires, the Australian civil aviation authorities grounded
Another Look at “The Impossible Turn”
When the engine quits just after takeoff, the pilot has few options. One is to attempt to turn around and try to land at the airport. It’s such a difficult maneuver that it’s often referred to as “the impossible turn.” I’ve written about the “impossible turn” before. AvWeb’s Paul Bertorelli takes another look at
Cirrus Burns After Crashing at Bolingbrook
The Cirrus SR20 burst into flames on impact. The pilot’s wife died inside. The pilot escaped from the wreckage, but died from his burn injuries in the hospital.
Some say that a properly designed aircraft should not catch fire in an otherwise survivable accident. We know this crash was survivable, because the pilot was
Plaintiff Magazine Article on Asiana Flight 214
The September issue of Plaintiff Magazine featured our article on the Montreal Convention as it applies to the crash of Asiana Flight 214. As far as we know, it’s the most comprehensive legal article that has been published on the crash to date.
Kristine Meredith Named Chair of National Aviation Law Group
Kristine Meredith has been appointed Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Aviation Law Section. The mission of AAJ is to promote a fair and effective justice system and to support attorneys 
representing those injured by the misconduct or negligence of others in cases against the most powerful interests.
The Aviation Law Section focuses
Robinson R66 Crashes: Two More Lawsuits Filed
The Robinson R66’s safety record to date is troubling. The aircraft did not go into production until 2010 and the fleet is very small. Yet a total of five R66 helicopters have already crashed, killing 11:
- July 12, 2011, Flandes, Colombia, pilot and passenger killed;
- October 1, 2011, near Philip, South Dakota, pilot killed;
NTSB Goes After Lawyers Soliciting Asiana 214 Victims
The last thing a victim needs just after an accident is for a crush of lawyers to show up on his doorstep, uninvited, pressuring him to sign up for a lawsuit. But that’s what happens after just about every major air crash. That type of lawyer solicitation is distasteful, to say the least.
But thanks
Asiana 214 Passengers’ Right to Compensation for Emotional Distress Limited by Montreal Convention
Asiana Flight 214’s crash landing and the events that followed were traumatic experiences for all aboard. Even some of those who suffered no physical injury will struggle with emotional injuries for months if not years to come.
Normally, a passenger would be entitled to compensation for all the emotional distress suffered, regardless of whether the