No matter what type of vehicle you’re in, whether it be a car, truck, boat, or airplane, the engine is extremely important to its overall performance. However, being thousands of feet in the air and experiencing engine failure is one of the most frequent reasons that an airplane crashes.
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While it can be difficult to think about, understanding what your options are when this happens to you could be very important in the aftermath of the accident. That’s where the team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers at Maison Law can help.
We have years of experience handling accident claims, making sure that victims and their families have the financial and legal support they need to move forward after a tragic accident. When this involves an airplane, it can be a bit complicated to go through the legal process. But with our team on your side, you’ll get the support and treatment you and your family deserve. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
Airplane Engines and Accidents in California
Not surprisingly, engine failure is a fairly common aspect of many airplane accidents that happen in California. Depending on the type of aircraft, different types of engines could be in play. Generally, an airplane uses the following types of engines:
- Piston engine
- Turboprops
- Jet engines
- Turboshaft engines
As with other parts of an aircraft, the engine requires extensive training and specialized knowledge to maintain. Still, even with rigorous standards in place relating to what maintenance is necessary, accidents can still happen. Most of the time, engine failure accidents involve:
- Mechanical failure – This occurs when there is a malfunction in the engine’s components, such as a broken piston, turbine blade, or faulty fuel system. These failures can lead to a loss of power and necessitate emergency procedures.
- Bird strikes – Birds colliding with aircraft can cause damage to the engines, potentially leading to engine failure. This is why airports implement bird control measures.
- Fuel contamination – If the aircraft’s fuel supply is contaminated with water or foreign particles, it can disrupt the engine’s operation. Regular fuel quality checks are crucial to prevent this.
- Loss of fuel – Running out of fuel in flight is a serious issue. Pilots must manage fuel consumption and ensure they have sufficient reserves for unexpected situations.
- Human error – Incorrect procedures, maintenance oversights, or pilot errors can contribute to engine failure incidents. Training and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential in mitigating these risks.
- Foreign Object Debris (FOD) – Foreign objects on runways or taxiways, such as loose debris or tools, can be sucked into an engine during takeoff or landing, leading to failure.
- Design flaws or manufacturing defects – Sometimes, engine failures can result from design flaws or manufacturing defects. These cases often lead to investigations and recalls.
- Environmental factors – Extreme weather conditions, such as severe turbulence or severe rain or fog, can strain engines and potentially cause failures.
Again, even with strict protocols in place for everyone involved in the flight, engine failure can still occur. Fortunately, pilots and crew are trained on what to do if an engine fails during a flight. However, as a passenger, you could be at the mercy of this training if you’re involved in one of these accidents.
What Can Be Done During Engine Failure During a Flight in California?
As a passenger, you probably feel pretty helpless if you’re in a fight and the plane’s engine fails. While this is indeed not ideal, there’s specific procedures in place that attempt to get out of the situation with the least possible damage. So, as a passenger, it’s important to do the following if you’re on a plane during engine failure:
- Stay calm – While engine failure is a serious event, remember that pilots are trained to handle these situations, and modern aircraft are designed to fly safely with one engine or even without engines. Panicking can make it difficult to follow instructions, and may make the situation worse for other passengers to deal with.
- Listen to the crew – The flight attendants and the cockpit crew are well-trained to manage emergencies. Pay close attention to their announcements and instructions. Follow their guidance fully.
- Fasten your seatbelt – Ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened. Keep it fastened at all times when seated, as turbulence or sudden maneuvers can occur during an emergency.
- Stay seated – Remain in your seat unless instructed otherwise. Avoid moving around the cabin or standing in the aisles, as this can impede the crew’s ability to manage the situation.
- Brace for landing – In the event of an emergency landing, the flight crew will provide instructions for brace positions. Follow these instructions closely to reduce the risk of injury.
- Stay informed – If the crew provides information about the situation, listen attentively. However, don’t distract them with unnecessary questions or demands for information.
- Don’t open doors – Do not attempt to open cabin doors or emergency exits unless instructed to do so by the flight crew. Opening doors prematurely can compromise safety.
- Use oxygen masks – If oxygen masks drop from the overhead compartments, pull them down and place them over your nose and mouth. Breathe normally and assist others, especially children, if needed.
- Try to comfort and reassure others – Offer support to fellow passengers who may be anxious or distressed. Reassure them that the flight crew is trained to handle emergencies.
- Prepare for evacuation – If an emergency evacuation becomes necessary, leave your personal belongings behind and follow crew instructions to exit the aircraft quickly and safely.
It’s important to remember that engine failures, while rare, are emergencies that are rigorously trained for by flight crews. Your safety is their top priority. That said, it’s also extremely likely that when there’s a plane crash, there will be significant injuries and other damage you’ll have to deal with. That’s why it’s important to understand how the crash happened and what you can do going forward.
How Do You Determine Who is Responsible For an Airplane Crash in California?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances that went into the accident. Like any accident involving a vehicle in California, there’s a level of negligence involved that usually helps to clarify who is responsible–and who is liable for your injuries and damages.
Negligence, at least in terms of the law, refers to someone’s responsibility to act in a way that keeps others safe. In the context of a plane crash, a number of different parties could potentially be liable, especially when engine failure was the cause of the accident:
- Aircraft manufacturer – If the engine problem was due to a design or manufacturing issue, the company that made the plane or engine may be held responsible.
- Maintenance and repair facilities – Companies in charge of maintaining the plane’s engines could be liable if they didn’t do their job correctly.
- Airline – The airline operating the flight could be at fault if they didn’t maintain the plane properly or ignored known engine issues.
- Pilot and crew – The flight crew might be responsible if their mistakes contributed to the engine failure or if they didn’t handle the emergency correctly.
- Regulatory authorities – Authorities like the FAA may face scrutiny if they didn’t enforce safety regulations effectively.
- Component manufacturers – If a specific engine part caused the failure, the company that made that part might also be held responsible.
As you can see, airplane crash liability is often complicated, with many parties involved to different extents. Safety authorities conduct detailed investigations to find out what caused the crash. That said, working with our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers can help you pinpoint exactly who was responsible for the accident and then file a claim for damages against them.
What Damages Are Available in a Claim After an Airplane Crash Caused by Engine Failure in California?
While an airplane crash is certainly devastating, it’s ultimately viewed like any other accident in California in terms of your legal right to damages as a victim. When you’ve been injured in an airplane crash, you can file a claim against the liable parties. Sometimes, this means filing multiple claims, but working with our team can simplify the process. Then, through our experience, we can help see you through to reach a satisfactory result.
In general, the following damages are available in an airplane crash:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Punitive damages, in cases of extreme negligence
Again, every claim is unique in terms of what exactly you can recover. However, by working with our team, you can rest assured that we’ll handle all claim-related legal responsibilities so you can focus on your health and recovery, or your family can get the available benefits and support they need if a loved one was tragically lost in the accident.
Maison Law Stands Up For California Airplane Crash Victims
Nobody gets on a plane in California and expects engine failure or some other problem that results in a crash. That said, incidents like this have been known to happen, leaving you and your family searching for answers.
At Maison Law, our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers can stand up for your rights as an injury victim and help you navigate the claims process to get the financial support you deserve under the law. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in an airplane crash caused by engine failure, contact us today for a free consultation.
