Staggering $90 Million Settlement Unveiled in NYC Helicopter Case

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(DailyChive.com) – The 2018 NYC helicopter crash, resulting in five deaths, concludes with a $90 million legal settlement, bringing the victims’ families a bittersweet closure.

At a Glance

  • A $90 million settlement ends the lawsuit over the 2018 NYC helicopter crash.
  • The crash was caused by a passenger restraint snagging a fuel switch.
  • FlyNYON has implemented new safety measures post-crash.
  • The lawsuit aimed to ensure accountability and improve safety practices.

Settlement Reached

The 2018 helicopter crash in New York City, which claimed the lives of Trevor Cadigan and four others, has reached a conclusion with a $90 million settlement. Initially, a jury awarded $116 million, but the deceased’s family opted for the settlement to avoid prolonged appeals. This settlement, confirmed by a Manhattan judge, provides a measure of closure for the family while emphasizing the serious deficiencies in helicopter safety that contributed to this tragedy.

This tragic accident underscores the challenges and risks associated with helicopter tours, particularly in congested urban airspace. The crash occurred when a passenger’s restraint snagged the helicopter’s fuel shut-off switch, causing the engine to stop. While the pilot escaped, the passengers were ensnared in their safety harnesses and drowned in the East River. The incident prompted a temporary grounding of similar flights by the FAA, which were allowed to resume only with improved safety restraints.

A Tragic Example of Risks

This case exemplifies the risks involved in helicopter sightseeing tours due to factors such as crowded airspace, inadequate maintenance, and the pressure to perform flights despite adverse conditions. The shocking reality is reflected in the statistics that over a decade, more than 140 helicopter accidents and 86 fatalities have been recorded in such sectors. Notably, the company’s negligence in ensuring safe passenger restraints significantly contributed to this disaster.

Their primary objective was twofold, and that is, one, to ensure accountability for what happened to Trevor, and also to shine a bright light on dangerous helicopter operator practices and induce them to do a better, safer job,” Robb said by phone. “And they accomplished both objectives, we believe.

The defendants included FlyNYON, Liberty Helicopters, and Dart Aerospace, the company responsible for the flotation devices. FlyNYON has since taken measures to improve safety, including new safety harnesses and better training protocols. The lawsuit’s outcome has served not only as a form of justice for the victims’ families but also as a catalyst for critical safety reforms in this often-neglected area of aviation tourism.

Future Implications

In a broader context, this settlement raises awareness and highlights the critical necessity for tougher regulatory oversight and more rigorous safety standards within the helicopter tour industry. The combination of high operational pressures and the relaxing of regulations due to industry lobbying often jeopardizes passenger safety. Implementing stricter criteria like prioritizing experienced pilots and maintaining rigorous upkeep can potentially prevent such unfathomable tragedies in the future.

The introspection and self-critical analysis we have undertaken in the last six-and-a-half years have shaped our view of what it means to be an industry leader, and we’re a safer, smarter, and stronger company for it.

Ultimately, the $90 million settlement, while unable to replace the lives lost, stands as a pivotal moment for increased safety measures and accountability within the helicopter tourism sector. It is crucial for other operators to learn from this incident, adopt best practices, and prioritize passenger safety above all else.

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