Much like the risks associated with motor vehicles do not deter residents in Montana and elsewhere from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, the dangers accompanying airplanes do not often deter people from flying. Nonetheless, it is important for passengers to be aware of the risks associated with air travel because less serious aviation accident tend to go unreported by the media. Whether traveling in a small aircraft, large business jet, charter flights, pleasure crafts, helicopters, hang gliders or other aircrafts, passengers should be aware of the common causes of major and minor accidents involving aircrafts.
What are the most common causes of aviation accidents? Pilot error is often cited as the cause because human error could occur during flight. The equipment on the plane could be defective, leading to instrument failure. If a plane is not properly maintained and violates Federal Aviation Administration regulations, this could lead to flight problems that result in a crash.
Structural or design problems or defects could be the cause of an aviation accident. If the plane was not properly designed or built, or its components are defective, this could lead to failures during flight. Other causes of aviation accidents include negligence of the Flight Service Station employees, the negligence of Federal Air Traffic Controllers and the negligence in a third party's selection of a carrier.
Depending on the cause of the airplane accident, liability could be placed on one or more parties. This often depends on the type of plane that was involved in the crash, but liability could be placed on the owner, operator, common carrier and manufacturer.
Those harmed in an aviation accident, or those who have lost a loved one in an aviation accident, could file a civil action against the liable party or parties. A personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit could help with the recovery of compensation for losses and damages related to the incident.