On the evening of September 16, 2026, an NBC4 (KNBC) news helicopter crashed in a narrow alleyway between two commercial buildings on Mason Avenue in Chatsworth, in the San Fernando Valley. The on-board reporter and the pilot were killed, along
Aviation Law Monitor
Insight and Commentary on aviation accidents and the law
The Aviation Law Monitor, published by Danko Meredith, focuses on legal issues related to aviation accidents and incidents. It covers topics such as liability and negligence in aircraft crashes, the application of the Federal Tort Claims Act in lawsuits against the military and air traffic control, aircraft certification and airworthiness concerns, and the investigation of aviation accidents by the National Transportation Safety Board. The blog discusses legal challenges arising from pilot errors, mechanical failures, air traffic control procedures, and regulatory compliance. It also addresses the complexities of suing government entities and the nuances of aviation safety regulations.
Blog Authors
Latest from Aviation Law Monitor
Flight Data Lays Blame on TacAero, Kevin Sutterfield for SW-51 Crash
By Mike Danko
TacAero and Kevin Sutterfield are trying to dodge blame for crashing SW-51 N351MT at Gillespie Airport in January. But the manufacturer of the aircraft kit, ScaleWings, has analyzed the flight data from the aircraft’s Garmin Avionics system. ScaleWings sent its…
Super Lawyers Magazine Profiles Danko Meredith’s Aviation Practice
By Mike Danko
Super Lawyers Magazine recently profiled our aviation accident practice in its Northern California 2026 edition, covering some of the cases that have shaped how we approach aviation litigation — including work following the crashes of TWA Flight 800, American Airlines…
Things TacAero’s Kevin Sutterfield Claims He Didn’t Know Before Ill-Fated Flight
By Mike Danko
The SW-51’s operating manuals are clear that you shouldn’t take off unless the engine is developing takeoff power, that you need to check the gauges to make sure that the engine is operating properly, and that for takeoff power the…
When the Test Pilot Ignores the Gauges: Lawsuit Filed Against TacAero and Kevin Sutterfield
By Mike Danko
TacAero — the Fredericksburg, Texas taildragger operation now controlled by Kevin “Showtime” Sutterfield — has been sued for the crash of an experimental scale P-51 aircraft. Sutterfield himself was at the controls on the aircraft’s maiden flight when he crashed…
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Defines Montreal Convention “Accident”
By Mike Danko
The Montreal Convention sets forth an airline’s liability for a passenger’s injury or death on an international flight. Under the Convention, the airline’s liability does not depend on whether the airline was “negligent” or otherwise “at fault” for the injury…
American Eagle Flight 5342 Families are Entitled to Sue the US Military for the Black Hawk’s role in causing the Mid-Air Collision
By Mike Danko
The Feres Doctrine protects the military from lawsuits brought against it by Families of service members killed in the line of duty as a result of its negligence. The Feres Doctrine does not, however, prevent civilians who have lost love…
Suing Air Traffic Control for the Mid-Air Collision at DCA
By Mike Danko
Wasn’t it Air Traffic Control’s job to keep the American Airlines flight safe from the Black Hawk helicopter? Can families sue Air Traffic Control to obtain compensation for their losses? What’s involved?
Air traffic controllers work within the guidelines set forth…
Catalina Island Beechcraft Baron Crash Similar to Cessna Twin Crash?
By Mike Danko
The Beechcraft Baron 95-B55 was found Tuesday night approximately one mile West of the Catalina Island Airport. It crashed shortly after takeoff, killing five on board. Weather reports indicated low clouds. Thus, the aircraft would have encountered “instrument conditions” in…
Cirrus SR22T Engine Failures: Is the Aircraft Properly Certified?
By Mike Danko
At least a half dozen Cirrus SR22T aircraft have lost power on takeoff and crashed. According to the National Transportation Board, in each case the aircraft pumped too much fuel to the engine, causing it to flood. That remains ongoing…