August 1, 2023 | Accidents

Did you know that air travel is statistically safer than automotive travel? This is based on accidents that occur per mile traveled. However, the consequences of an airplane accident are far more devastating than many car automobile accidents. In addition, assigning liability in airplane accidents is far more complex than in automobile accidents. Hiring an experienced airplane accident attorney after an airplane accident is vital if you want to recover financial compensation for your damages.

Types of Airplane Accidents

Airplane accidents can vary in nature as well as in severity. Some of the most common types of airplane accidents include:

• Runway excursions

These accidents occur during takeoff or landing of aircrafts on the runway surface. They can occur for a number of reasons including poor runway conditions, excessive speed in landing or taking off, pilot error or even hydroplaning.

• Controlled flight into terrain accidents

These accidents occur when an aircraft under the control of the pilot flies into an obstacle such as the ground, a cliff side or even a mountain. These accidents often occur as a result of poor visibility, disorientation of the pilot or navigational errors.

• Loss of control in flight

These accidents occur when the pilot losses control of the aircraft mid-air. This may be as a result of mechanical failure, incorrect in put by the pilot or even extreme weather conditions. When this happens the aircraft may begin to spin or descend rapidly. Regaining control of the aircraft thereafter is difficult.

• Mid-air collisions

These are by far the deadliest type of airplane accident. These accidents occur when two or more aircraft collide mid-flight. Mid air collisions can occur as a result of miscommunication, traffic control errors or failure of surveillance systems.

• Mechanical failures

Accidents due to mechanical failures may occur as a result of poor maintenance of the aircraft, manufacturing defects or malfunctions of specific components. The failures may affect the aircraft’s landing gear, engine or even control surfaces.

• Human error

Airplane accidents can occur as a result of human error. These errors don’t necessarily involve the pilot. They can be errors by air traffic controllers, ground crew, maintenance personal and other staff. Human errors may occur as a result of fatigue, anxiety, stress, miscommunication, inadequate training and more.

• Poor weather conditions

This is one of the most common causes of aircraft accidents. Extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms, ash, heavy turbulence and more can cause accidents. It is vital that pilots and ground crew make informed decisions when deciding whether to fly in poor weather.

• Fires and explosions

Fires and explosions aboard aircrafts can result in accidents. These can be the result of fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, hazardous cargo and more. These incidents can cause an immediate threat to the lives of aircraft occupants.

• Terrorism and sabotage

These incidents have become more common recently. They involve hijackings, bombings and other acts of sabotage by malicious persons.

Difference Between Civil and Commercial Airplane Accidents

While both commercial and civil aircrafts are at risk of being involved in the same types of accidents, recovering compensation for these accidents is different. This is because of the parties involved as well as the legal framework that applicable in each case.

• Commercial airplane accidents

These are accidents involving commercial airlines. These include commercial carriers such as United, Delta or Virgin. These aircrafts are large and carry paying passengers as well as cargo. The losses resulting from accidents involving these aircrafts are large. Multiple parties are often involved including the airline, pilots, maintenance service providers, manufacturers, air traffic control and other entities.

Commercial aircrafts adhered to rigorous regulations. Their operations are regulated by government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airline operators must adhere to strict standards of safety, maintenance protocols, training requirements as well as operational procedures.

Commercial accidents are also subject to international treaties and conventions. This makes recovering compensation in these cases even more complex. Expertise in legal processes involving multiple jurisdictions and legal systems in different countries is required.

• Civil airplane accidents

These accidents involve privately owned aircrafts, non-scheduled charter flights as well as general aviation flights. These aircrafts are often smaller than commercial aircrafts. The parties involved may include pilots, aircraft owners, maintenance service providers as well as air traffic control.

While the activities of these aircrafts are regulated, the regulations are less stringent than those that commercial aircrafts are subjected to. Legal processes involved in recovering compensation for these accidents are more localized. However, there may still be some overlaps in regulations as well as tort principles.

Airplane accidents often have devastating consequences. The process of recovering compensation is quite complex. If you or a loved one has been injured in an airplane accident, it is best to seek the services of an experienced airplane accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Contact our law firm to schedule free consultation.

Airplane Accident Attorney – Omaha NE