Aircraft Accident Investigation and Injury Checklist
Aircraft accidents can involve private planes, charter flights, helicopters, training flights, commercial operations and ground incidents. Potential claims may require technical investigation and evidence preservation beyond an ordinary injury matter.
Information To Preserve
- Flight number or aircraft registration, itinerary, tickets and passenger records
- Date, time, departure and destination airports, and accident location
- Names and contact details of witnesses and relevant operators
- Photographs and video, if obtained lawfully and safely
- Medical records, expenses, employment loss information and communications
- Aircraft operator, charter, maintenance, training and insurance documents when available
Investigations and Evidence
In the United States, the NTSB may investigate aviation accidents and issue safety findings. The investigation is distinct from assessing legal liability, and restrictions can apply to using agency materials in litigation. Maintenance records, pilot qualifications, weather, air traffic information, component history and expert analysis may be important.
Multiple Potential Parties
Depending on the facts, possible claims may involve operators, owners, manufacturers, maintenance providers or other entities. The applicable law and jurisdiction must be evaluated rather than inferred from the crash location alone.
International Flights
International carriage may trigger treaty-based rules, including the Montreal Convention for covered passenger claims. Preserve the full ticket and itinerary for early analysis.
FAQs
Does an NTSB report decide who is legally responsible?
No. A safety investigation and a civil liability determination serve different purposes.
Is a helicopter accident treated differently from an airline cabin injury?
Often, yes. The operator, circumstances, contracts and governing law can be different.
Learn about Plane and Helicopter Crash Attorneys, Aviation Law, and Airline Passenger Injuries.
Discuss a potential claim: Call (978) 741-1177 or contact Muggeo & Associates.
General information only; not legal advice. Liability, venue and deadlines depend on the facts and applicable law. Contacting the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future results.