IceWater Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 (edited) I just heard on the radio that Pamela Altman widow of the hudson corridor fixed wing pilot that collided with the Liberty Helicopter has filed a lawsuit in Federal court, Philadelphia. Under the premise that the Teterboro tower and Jeremy the heli pilot was negligent. Her attorney said during the short interview that Teterboro was negligent because of the guy making a phone call to his girlfriend during the incident, and that Jeremy made a climbing turn into a major traffic lane without looking (Maybe we should install turn signals). I can't quote them but this is from what I understood from the interview.<br /><br />It looks like she's seeks more than 1.3 million, but it may be a while before the suit makes it's way into court <br /><br />I just found this article <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20091003_Widow_sues_over_tourist_copter_s_role_in_crash.html" target="_blank">http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20...e_in_crash.html</a> Edited October 3, 2009 by IceWater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inferno Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 I think we could all see this coming. We live in a litigious society. I'm sorry for her loss, but when they go as far as trying to sue Eurocopter America (for making the helicopter?) somethings wrong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackHwk27 Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 That is just disgusting, that she would that. So far, it appears the pilot switched to the wrong frequency, and in the minute or two before the accident, never even switched back to confirm he had gotten the frequency right. Flew right into the helo, who was piloted by a Jeremy, not Josh. If you haven't seen the latest report on the accident, here's the link: http://www.ntsb.gov/Speeches/hersman/daph0...Description.htm Pretty clear that he flew right into the helicopter, and the helicopter had the right of way over the river. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceWater Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Oh geez sorry about that, Jeremy not Josh. I will correct, I have met him only in passing when I worked in Linden. He would always say hello to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delorean Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Same thing happened back in 2000 when MO governor Carnahan & his son were killed in that Cessna 421 crash. REALLY bad weather trying to get to a senate campaign fundraiser. They reported a artificial horizon failure which may or may not have happened. NTSB ruled spatial disorientation with a possible instrument failure. His widow somehow took over his senate ticket position and won, then used the family law firm to sue Cessna, the engine manufacturer, the vacuum pump manufacturer, the instrument manufacturer, and basically everyone else who had a part on the plane. Got an undisclosed amount out of Cessna, but it was apparently $20M+. Millions off of Teledyne and put Parker Hannifin out of the vacuum pump business. She made some serious money off her son's arrogance & tragedy with her senate seat. At a IA renewal seminar a few years ago they had a tech rep from an aviation carburator company. He said they roughly had about a dozen employees--2 manager/accounting guys, 3 tech reps, 3 overhaul guys, and 4 lawyers on retainer for the multiple lawsuits they always had running. Their overhaul manual used to cost $40, then they raised it to $1300 to offset the liability. This business [errrrrr, country] has gotten out of control. This is why I no longer instruct or use my A&P/IA. I won't touch an aircraft unless its under a 135/121. At least there's some degree of protection there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffham Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Same thing happened back in 2000 when MO governor Carnahan & his son were killed in that Cessna 421 crash. REALLY bad weather trying to get to a senate campaign fundraiser. They reported a artificial horizon failure which may or may not have happened. NTSB ruled spatial disorientation with a possible instrument failure. His widow somehow took over his senate ticket position and won, then used the family law firm to sue Cessna, the engine manufacturer, the vacuum pump manufacturer, the instrument manufacturer, and basically everyone else who had a part on the plane. Got an undisclosed amount out of Cessna, but it was apparently $20M+. Millions off of Teledyne and put Parker Hannifin out of the vacuum pump business. She made some serious money off her son's arrogance & tragedy with her senate seat. At a IA renewal seminar a few years ago they had a tech rep from an aviation carburator company. He said they roughly had about a dozen employees--2 manager/accounting guys, 3 tech reps, 3 overhaul guys, and 4 lawyers on retainer for the multiple lawsuits they always had running. Their overhaul manual used to cost $40, then they raised it to $1300 to offset the liability. This business [errrrrr, country] has gotten out of control. This is why I no longer instruct or use my A&P/IA. I won't touch an aircraft unless its under a 135/121. At least there's some degree of protection there. Thanks for bringing this one up. It always gives me heartburn when I think about it. I was flying that night for TWA. There was some moderate turbulence and low ceilings but I didn't think it was hazardous for a experienced professional pilot. He was an experienced pilot...something like 1000 hours over 10 years...100 hours per year? He's flying the governor around? I can't believe they won that lawsuit. Oh yeah...and Missouri elected a dead guy for Senate. Everyone who voted for the dead guy should lose their voting privileges! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Guardian Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 (edited) Apparently Liberty Helicopters insurance agent decided to sue her for the pay out on the helicopter. This was the action that precipitated her lawsuit. The insurance company fired the first legal salvo on this one so I don't really blame her. Still need to track down the exact jurisdiction the insurance company filed in but I believe it was in New Jersey. Here is the link referencing the insurer filing suit in NJ http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/...on-over-hudson/ Edited October 4, 2009 by The Guardian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceWater Posted October 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 Apparently Liberty Helicopters insurance agent decided to sue her for the pay out on the helicopter. This was the action that precipitated her lawsuit. The insurance company fired the first legal salvo on this one so I don't really blame her. Still need to track down the exact jurisdiction the insurance company filed in but I believe it was in New Jersey. Here is the link referencing the insurer filing suit in NJ http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/...on-over-hudson/ Aw geez, I can't believe they filed a suit against her... Maybe It was a preemptive on their part? If it was it still stinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Guardian Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 (edited) I'm not sure when the insurance company filed as the statement in that article is attributed to her lawyer and all. But in the end, everyone will sue everyone, nothing will have really been learned, insurance rates will continue to go up and flying around New York or other major cities will become more and more restricted.... better get my hours in before we're relegated to RC Heli's in the park or something.... Edited October 4, 2009 by The Guardian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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