Instrument approach procedures are pre-determined paths and maneuvers that, if followed, will guide an aircraft to a runway in reduced visibility. The last leg of an instrument approach procedure is typically a straight line (more or less) to the end
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.
Latest from Aviation Law Monitor - Page 2
PG&E Dixie Fire and the Truckee Jet Crash
By Mike Danko
Some media outlets have reported that poor visibility from the PG&E Dixie wildfire smoke may have caused the Bombardier Challenger jet crash in Truckee. If true, would that make PG&E liable?
Probably not.
PG&E is liable to those…
Bombardier Challenger N605TR Crash at Truckee-Tahoe Airport: Looks Like Base-to-final Stall/Spin
By Mike Danko
Few turns in aviation are as dangerous as the “base-to-final” turn. That’s the last turn the pilot executes to line up with the runway.
When that final turn is made, the aircraft is always low and slow. If the pilot…
Cirrus SR20 Crash at Truckee Airport: High Density Altitude to Blame?
By Mike Danko
At first glance, this week’s crash of Cirrus N89423 at Truckee looks like yet another “high density altitude” accident. Such accidents are, after all, perhaps the most common type of accident at Truckee airport. Due to the thin…
Maintenance Error that Brought Down Navajo at Myrtle Beach Not Uncommon
By Mike Danko
In May, a Piper Navajo PA-31 crashed shortly after takeoff from Myrtle Beach. The pilot was ATP-rated and worked for American Airlines. He knew he was in trouble almost immediately after takeoff. He tried to return to the airport. …
Boeing Slapped on the Wrist for Using Unapproved Parts in 759 Aircraft
By Mike Danko
Among the most dangerous activities in the aviation industry is the installation on an aircraft of unapproved or bogus parts – parts that have not been properly tested, approved, and certified as safe. The practice has been linked to the…
737 Max Families Demand that FAA Chief Be Replaced
By Mike Danko
Families of those lost in the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crash met with Biden’s Transportation Department seeking to get the top FAA official fired for being “too cozy” with Boeing. According to the families, “The FAA has been,…
NTSB Blames Collings Foundation, FAA for Fatal Crash of Sightseeing B-17
By Mike Danko
On October 2, 2019, a World War II-era B-17 flying fortress bomber departed Bradley International Airport in Connecticut for a local sightseeing flight with 10 paying tourists on board. Shortly after takeoff the pilot radioed that he was returning to…
Byron Tow Plane Crash: Glider Pilot Error?
By Mike Danko
The pilot of a Bellanca 8GCBC Scout, Registration N4116Y, died when the aircraft crashed at Byron Airport on May 9th. According to a witness, the tow plane took off pulling a glider. While still at a low altitude, the…
Kobe Bryant Crash: NTSB Update Points to Improper VFR into IMC
By Mike Danko
From the outset it looked to me as though the Kobe Bryant crash was a simple case of “continued VFR into IMC” — a crash caused by a pilot wandering into clouds and fog and losing control of the helicopter…