You might think that flying on a major commercial airline is the most dangerous form of air travel, so you may be surprised to learn that most aviation accidents involve smaller, private aircraft. When these tragic crashes happen, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The Indiana aviation accident and plane crash lawyers at our personal injury law firm can help you navigate the complexities of an aviation claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
What Are the Major Airports in the Indianapolis Area?
The primary airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), the 46th busiest airport in the U.S.—with a new record in July 2025 of 995,818 departing passengers. In addition to IND, the region is served by several important general aviation airports that cater to private, corporate, and charter flights. These include Eagle Creek Airpark, Indianapolis Regional Airport, Greenwood Municipal Airport, and Columbus Municipal Airport.
What Are the Statistics for Airline Accidents in Indiana for 2023?
While major aviation disasters capture headlines—like the international aviation disasters involving Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019 and Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018—they are statistically rare. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that “general aviation” flights, which include private, non-commercial pilots flying friends or family and operating under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91, account for a much higher number of accidents than commercial airlines.
In 2023, there were 24 reported civil aviation accidents in Indiana, resulting in 8 fatalities. All of these accidents and fatalities involved general aviation flights on private, non-commercial planes.
What Are the Major Causes of Aircraft Accidents in the Indianapolis Area?
Common causes include pilot negligence or error, such as failing to follow procedures or safety protocols. Mechanical failures stemming from improper maintenance or defective parts can also be contributing factors. Other potential causes include mistakes by air traffic controllers, runway incursions, fuel contamination, weather-related issues like severe weather conditions or turbulence, and violations of established operational protocols.
Accidents involving commercial airlines can also include injuries sustained onboard, such as passenger-on-passenger incidents, falling luggage, trips and falls, and medical events.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter crashes frequently result from factors like pilot error, poor maintenance practices, faulty equipment, or a critical mechanical failure during flight.
Who May Be Held Liable for Aircraft Accidents?
Determining the parties responsible in order to recover compensation requires a detailed investigation of all available evidence. This includes the flight data recorder (FDR), cockpit voice recorder (CVR), and maintenance logs. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, there may be multiple parties who can be held accountable.
Potential defendants can include major airlines (Part 121 carriers), charter companies (Part 135 operators), and private pilots and their insurance companies (Part 91 operators). Other parties may include maintenance crews, aircraft manufacturers, and third-party maintenance providers. In some cases, airport authorities, air traffic control, or even government entities may bear some responsibility.
What Happens If I Am Partially Liable for My Aviation Case?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault law (Indiana Code § 34‑51‑2), an injured person may still recover compensation as long as their percentage of fault is not greater than the fault of all other responsible parties. Your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced aviation accident lawyer can help you understand your rights.
What Compensation May Be Available for Plane Crash Victims?
Aviation accident victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses in an airplane accident. Economic damages encompass various financial losses, such as medical expenses for both past and future medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and any diminished future earning capacity. Aviation injuries also warrant non-economic damages (harm to your well-being) for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving the fatalities of loved ones, surviving family members can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim after a deadly aviation crash.
Indiana has strict statutes of limitations. For most personal injury cases, an aviation accident claim must be filed within two years of the incident (IC 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also generally two years (IC 34-23-1-1).
What Federal, Indiana, and International Laws Regulate the Airline Industry?
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a federal agency that establishes safety and operating rules for different types of flights: Part 91 (general aviation or private planes), Part 121 (airlines), and Part 135 (charter/commuter).
- When someone is injured or killed in a private, small plane crash, the aviation accident lawsuit is generally governed by Indiana aviation accident law, not federal law.
- The Montreal Convention (MC99) sets uniform rules for international flights, making airlines liable under defined limits for passenger injuries or death, baggage issues, and delays, with streamlined claims procedures.
How Can an Indiana Aviation Accident Lawyer Help?
In our aviation accident law firm, we understand aviation law; we help injured clients by conducting a thorough investigation to identify the liable party. An airplane accident lawyer consults aviation experts to review everything from pilot error to physical evidence in order to build a strong case. Our legal team of personal injury lawyers negotiates with powerful insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Indianapolis Aviation Accident Lawyers for Help
Schedule a free consultation with our Indianapolis aviation accident attorneys today. We’ll review your aviation accident case, explain your options for protecting your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
(312) 223-1700