California Injury Lawyer Blog

RENO, NEVADA - The Reno Gazette Journal is reporting that the11th victim of Friday's National Championship Air Races crash has been identified. James McMichael, 47, of Graham, Wash., was the last of six victims who had yet to be indentified by the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office. Eleven people were tragically killed September 16, 2011 after a WWII-era fighter plane crashed into the ground next to spectators at the Reno-Stead airport. The pilot of the plane, Jimmy Leeward, was one of the eleven tragically killed.

Air Show Accident Liability

It is not known why the fighter plane crashed, but authorities believe they are close to uncovering the cause of the accident. Aviation accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as pilot error, mechanical malfunction and defective aircraft parts. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the Reno air show airplane crash, several parties may be financially liable for victims' damages, including the pilot, event organizers, flight crew, aircraft manufacturer, aircraft mechanic and airplane owner.

Nevada Air Show Accident Attorneys

The Nevada air show accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger will explore all sources of compensation when pursuing damages for victims. Our team of award-winning attorneys includes an expert pilot and litigator, Don Beck. Don is committed to protecting the legal rights of victims and can help clients get the compensation they need to begin putting the pieces of their lives back together following this devastating crash. Our Reno air show accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss victims' potential cases. Time is of the essence when filing a claim, so contact our firm as soon as possible.

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RENO, NEVADA - After Friday's horrific air race crash tragically killed 11 and left dozens more injured, concerns are being raised over the safety of air shows like the Reno National Championship Air Races. Former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman, Mark Rosenker, told CBS News the objective of any race is to go as fast as possible, however "when you begin to go as fast as possible, you really do reach the edge of the safety envelope."

Reno Air Show Race Investigation

Although the NTSB is still investigating the cause of the crash, officials believe they are close to finding out why a fighter plane inverted and dove into the ground next to spectators September 16, 2011. NTSB officials have recovered memory cards from an onboard camera, a data recorder and portions of the aircraft tail, which may prove to be a vital piece of evidence after photos showing pieces of the tail missing before impact were recovered. The pilot of the WWII-era plane, Jimmy Leeward, had made drastic modifications to the wings in order to achieve extreme levels of speed and investigators are researching whether these modifications contributed to the crash occurring.

Air Show Race Accident Attorneys

While the cause of the Reno air race crash is under investigation, victims of this catastrophic accident should seek the counsel of a Reno air show accident attorney at Estey Bomberger. One of our attorneys, Don Beck, is an experienced pilot who will put his knowledge of aviation to work for you. Don and his colleagues have obtained substantial settlements for damages associated with a serious injury or devastating loss. Call our law firm today to arrange a free consultation with a Nevada air show accident lawyer.

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RENO, NEVADA - ABC News reported this morning a tenth person has died as a result of injuries sustained when a plane crashed at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday. According to news reports, a male patient died overnight at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the NTSB was examining whether a missing tail component - an elevator trim tab - could have caused the plane to spiral out of control. Witnesses reported seeing something drop off the tail of the plain as the P-51 Mustang Galloping Ghost rounded the final clubhouse turn of the race, moments before the plane crashed. In one photo, a piece of metal needed to maintain the aircraft's balance appears to be missing.

The Galloping Ghost was fitted with a forward facing camera, which NTSB investigators say they were able to recover. The plane was also equipped with a flight data system that recorded altitude, engine performance and velocity in real-time. NTSB officials reportedly will also review the pilot's age and a medical history. An ABC News consultant said Monday that he was concerned that Leeward may not have been conscious during the crash.

In addition to the 10 reported deaths, dozens of people suffered a wide range of injuries including, limb and facial injuries, amputations and major head wounds. The Washoe County Medical Examiner has so far identified five of the deceased victims as George Hewitt, 60, of Bellingham, Wash.; Regina Bynum, 53, of San Angelo, Texas; Sharon Stewart, 47, Reno; Gregory Morcom, 47, Stanwood, Wash.; and James Leeward, of Ocala, Fla, the 74-year-old pilot of the P-51 crashed plane.

If you were injured or if a loved one died in this accident, contact the Reno air race accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our experienced aviation accident lawyers can advise you of your legal rights to compensation for your injuries or loss, and your best course of action following this devastating and tragic incident.

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RENO, NEVADA - The intense investigation has begun to determine why the pilot of a World War II era plane lost control at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. Over the weekend, it was revealed that the plane involved in the crash he 65-year-old 'Galloping Ghost', had underwent "radical changes" and "massive overhauls" to increase speed. Modifications included shortening the wings and horizontal tail. Other changes to improve aerodynamics included removing the water and oil radiators from the belly and replacing them with a boil-off cooling system.

The pilot of the P-51 Mustang was Jimmy Leeward, who died in the crash. Leeward, owner of the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team, was an experienced airman and stunt movie pilot with decades of experience, including work on films "Amelia" and "Cloud Dancer." In an interview last year, Leeward stated that he had flown 250 types of planes, and had a fondness for the P-51.

Leeward's own website referenced the dangers - and the thrill - of air racing: "These guys are always on the edge knowing one wrong move, in one split second, could mean the end," the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team website said. "NASCAR at 200 mph? Indy at 230 mph? Top Fuel at 300 mph? Mere Childs play. Welcome to the Big League."

Over the weekend, a few people in the crowd told news outlets that it appeared that Leeward realized he was in trouble and tried to steer the aircraft away from the spectators, sparing many more people their lives. Although some witnesses believe Leeward's last moments were heroic, for those that did lose their lives or suffered a life-changing injury, this accident raises a very concerning question: Was safety compromised in pursuit of speed?

If you were a victim of this Reno air race accident, or if a loved one died in the crash, contact the Nevada aviation accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys include a veteran pilot with experience both in operating planes and represent aviation accident victims. We offer a free consultation to review your legal rights.

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RENO, NEVADA -- The death toll has risen to nine individuals Saturday in the horrific Reno air race show crash that took place on September 16th at around 4 p.m., the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. According to Reno Deputy Police Chief Dave Evans, the deaths included seven people who were killed on the tarmac and two others who died at hospitals. The fatal crash of the P-51 Mustang flown by veteran race pilot Jimmy Leeward, 74, has also resulted in a variety of serious injuries to spectators involved in the incident. These injuries included major head wounds, facial trauma and limb injuries, including amputations. Doctors who have treated the injured said it was among the most severe situations that they had ever dealt with due to the large number of people, which included at least two children under the age of 18 who were not in critical condition.

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene of the accident on Saturday to evaluate the crash and determine what caused Leeward to lose control of his plane. Investigators will also look at variety of factors including, mechanical failure, and the health condition of the pilot.

Cause of the Reno Air Race Crash

The accident occurring September 16th remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the pilot to lose control of his plane. The Reno police has provided a GPS mapping system to help investigators reconstruct the crash while the NTSB officials have been reviewing videos and images captured by witnesses at the scene, which shown a piece of the plane coming off prior to crashing. To witnesses, this piece looked to be an "elevator trim tab," which helps the pilot keep control of the aircraft. According to NTSB spokesman Mark Rosekind, their focus will be on an unidentified component that was recovered from the accident. Investigators stated the NTSB has also recovered part of the plane's tail section. Hopefully authorities will come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Spectator Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of this aviation accident is ongoing, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Reno air show accident lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has handled aviation accidents which resulted in injuries and death to anyone involved, can advise the victims or their family of their legal rights and best course of action to receive a full and fair compensation for medical care expenses, disfigurement, funeral/burial costs, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic aviation accident.

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RENO, NEVADA - At least three people are confirmed dead and scores of people seriously injured when a plane crashed into the stands at the Reno Championship Air Races, multiple national news outlets reported Friday night. The accident occurred at around 4:00 p.m. PST on Friday, September 16, 2011, when a World War II era P51 Mustang plane struck box seats at the air race. According to News 10, Mike Houghton, the President and CEO of the Reno Air Race stated that the cause of the crash is too early to determine; the cause of the accident will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Spectator Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Following an aviation disaster such as this one, the victims and their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable aviation accident attorney. A lawyer who has handled sporting event spectator injury and death claims can advise victims and their families of the steps they need to take to protect their rights following a mass casualty aviation disaster.

Experienced Aviation Accident Lawyers

The aviation accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled both aviation accident injury and wrongful death claims and accident claims involving spectators injured at major sporting events. Our dedicated Reno air show accident lawyers are licensed to practice law in Nevada and California and have the resources necessary to ensure our clients are fully and fairly compensated. If you have suffered a serious injury or loss of a family member in this September 16th Reno air show accident, contact Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. For a free consultation, call us at (800)724-3817.

Continue reading "Several Killed, Dozens Injured in Crash at Reno Air Races " »