Fatal Plane Engine Defect Case Settles for $5 Million
One driver's airplane engine failed during flight, causing it to crash. The pilot and a passenger were killed. The estates of the deceased sued the engine manufacturer, alleging negligent design and manufacture. The defense argued the pilot's negligence caused the crash. The parties settled.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Wrongful Death Injuries
Wrongful death claims arise when a car accident fatality is caused by another party's negligence. These cases compensate surviving family members for their losses and the decedent's pain and suffering.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $5,000,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Wrongful Death
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $5,000,000 is above the median of $2,000,000 for wrongful death cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $504,000 to $5,000,000, based on 20 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A single-engine airplane crashed into a field following a loss of engine power, resulting in the fatalities of the pilot and a passenger. An investigation indicated the aircraft's crankshaft suffered a fatigue failure during the flight. The estates of the deceased subsequently filed a lawsuit.
The plaintiffs sued Superior Air Parts, Inc., alleging negligent design of the engine. They also brought claims against Superior Air Parts, Inc. and Ruhrtaler Gesenkschmiede F.W. Wengeler GmbH & Co. KG for negligent manufacture of the crankshaft. The plaintiffs contended that the crankshaft's failure stemmed from internal stress related to misfiring pistons or the temperatures used during forging. They further asserted that Superior Air Parts, Inc. failed to adequately test the engine prior to its release and responded slowly to indications of premature engine failures.
The defense argued that the pilot's negligence caused the incident. The parties ultimately reached a settlement agreement. The settlement totaled $5 million, with Superior Air Parts, Inc. contributing $4.95 million of that amount.
Understanding This Case
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
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