A pilot or multiple pilots operate most aircraft. These pilots receive years of training in operating their aircraft and should always act responsibly when flying. However, pilots often make mistakes or engage in other negligent behavior that endangers others. When this occurs, the pilot’s errors may be a breach of the duty of care.

A negligent pilot, and their employer, should be financially responsible for the injuries they cause. An aviation accident attorney knows how to investigate the case to determine if pilot error contributed to the aviation accident.

Aircraft use various equipment before, during, and after a flight. This equipment must work properly and be properly maintained. When it is not, it can cause serious injuries to passengers like you. Equipment malfunctions often include:

• Problems with fuel equipment
• Runway equipment errors
• Defective safety equipment aboard the plane
• Radio and communication technology errors
• Plane control malfunctions

Pilots and airlines are trained to handle bad weather, but some fail to take the proper precautions. An airline may seek to avoid cancellations and permit a flight that should not be allowed to depart in dangerous weather conditions. A pilot may choose a route through a storm rather than around one when that is the wrong choice. Runway collisions may occur when planes cannot see each other during takeoff or landing.

Bad weather like fog, rain, high winds, snow, and much more can contribute to an accident. If the airline or its employees are negligent in accounting for this bad weather, they may be financially responsible for your injuries or the loss of your loved one.

Runways should be clear of obstructions that could damage the plane or cause a crash. Unfortunately, runway obstructions are a common cause of aircraft accidents in Louisiana and Texas. Obstructions can include anything on the runway that should not be there, including:

• Animals such as birds, deer, or dogs
• Large trees or other natural debris
• Planes or other motor vehicles
• Luggage carts
• People walking on the runway

The ground crew at an airport is a critical part of how it runs. They manage everything from plane refueling, loading, and directing traffic as planes taxi along the runway. When ground crew makes mistakes, these mistakes can become tragic aircraft accidents.

Ground crew errors can occur at any time and for several reasons. The ground crew may be improperly trained or receive inadequate training. They may make a simple one-time mistake or be a problematic employee the airline should have fired long ago. The ground crew may be intoxicated or overtired, leading to poor decisions. Whatever the cause of the ground crew error, that crew member and their employer may be liable for the airplane accident.

Improper cargo loading can lead to damage to the aircraft which may cause an accident. Another possibility is that the cargo is loaded unbalanced, which can cause problems during takeoff, flight, and landing.

Other passengers can be just as dangerous as the airplane itself. Unreasonable people aboard a flight can present a danger to you and your loved ones. If an unruly passenger causes you harm, they should be financially responsible for the harm you suffered.

The airline may also be responsible if they permitted a dangerous situation or in some way contributed to your harm.