California Injury Lawyer Blog

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.

Continue reading "Death Toll Rises While Others Remain Severely Injured in Reno Air Show Crash" »

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.

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An injured paraglider was rescued after crashing into a slope near the Juniper campground in Mount Diablo State Park, authorities reported. Fire crews in the San Ramon Valley Fire District responded to the paragliding accident, which was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday. The man was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital, and is expected to survive. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The man's level of experience paragliding was not known.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a skydiving, parachuting or paragliding accident? If your recreational accident was caused by equipment malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the experienced defective product lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Learn more at www.estey-bomberger.com, or call us at (800)724-3817 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Under a new law proposed last week in Sacramento, children hitting the slopes would have to take a helmet along. The bill, introduced by California Sen. Leland Yee, would require children under 18 to wear a helmet.

The California Ski Industry Association has already pledged his support. Most major resorts recommend already recommend all skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets.

Not all lawmakers support the bill, however. Republican Tom Harman told the LA Times the bill raises the question of how far government should go in protecting people from themselves. The bill is still weeks away from discussion in Sacramento.

Studies show that wearing helmets can greatly reduce the risk of serious brain injuries in children ages 15 and under. Today's ski helmets are inexpensive, warm, comfortable and effective. They provide an extra degree of protection, and seriously reduce the risk of permanent brain damage in a collision with another skiier, tree, or other fixed object.

A 16-year-old San Jose High Academy student is in critical condition after colliding with another player during a Thanksgiving Day football game, a San Jose Unified School District spokeswoman said. Matthew Blea went down during the game after a legal helmet-to-helmet hit, got up, went to the sideline and collapsed. Paramedics took him to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. Blea suffered a traumatic brain injury.

This latest high school incident is only the latest of dozens of head injuries in football every single week, from games in youth football leagues to college to the National Football League (NFL). Head injuries cause major damage, and concussions are more than just a bump on the head. Damage from a head injury can last a lifetime. Even with better technology in helmets and rule adjustments, head injuries are still happening. Blea was wearing a Riddell "Revolution" helmet, arguably considered to be the best helmet for high school players.

More and more retired football players are now speaking up about the troubling affects of their injuries, while more and more current players are suffering concussions during games. Football leagues from high school leagues to the NFL are increasingly under scrutiny for the serious affects of these head injuries.

Congress even called a hearing on the subject of head injuries in football last month, in which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was questioned about a link between multiple head injuries in NFL players with brain diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Both Roger Goodell and NFL Players Association leader DeMaurice Smith agreed to turn over players' medical records to the House Judiciary Committee. Michigan Democrat John Conyers said he also wants information on head injuries from the NCAA and high schools. One man, Dick Benson, tearfully told the committee about his 17-year-old son's death from a head injury following helmet-to-helmet hit during a 2002 high school game. Benson said changes need to be made to reduce physical contact, especially helmet-to-helmet hits.

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