You might believe that flying on a commercial airliner is the most dangerous form of air travel, so it may surprise you to learn that most aviation accidents involve smaller, private aircraft. The experienced Missouri plane crash lawyers at our personal injury firm can help you navigate the complexities of an aviation accident claim and pursue the fair compensation you deserve.
In this Article
What Are the Major Airports in the St. Louis Area?
Missouri is a key aviation hub, anchored by St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)—which is ranked #34 in the U.S. for enplaned passengers. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) also manages a significant volume of domestic and international flights for the region. Other important airports, like Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), connect communities across the state.
Airports such as the Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in Chesterfield and St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS) in Cahokia, Illinois, serve a diverse range of private pilots, charter operations, and flight schools.
Aviation Accidents in Missouri
While major aviation disasters are statistically rare, data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) consistently shows that “general aviation” flights account for a significant majority of all civil aviation accidents. These are private, non-commercial flights operated by pilots under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91, often for recreational purposes or to transport friends and family. They have different laws from commercial flights.
On June 14, 2024, an Air Tractor AT-602 (N115AA) crashed near Broseley, Missouri, during a Part 137 (agricultural operation). The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
What Are the Major Causes of Aircraft Accidents?
Airplane and helicopter accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. Official investigations often uncover a chain of events and various factors that led to the incident. Common causes include:
Pilot negligence or error: this is a leading contributor and can involve an airline personnel’s failure to follow safety protocols, misjudging weather conditions, or losing control of the aircraft.
Mechanical issues: mechanical failures stemming from faulty equipment or improper maintenance can have catastrophic results.
Air traffic control mistakes: errors by controllers, such as providing incorrect guidance, can lead to runway incursions or mid-air collisions.
Adverse weather: severe turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, and other weather events can exceed a pilot’s or an aircraft’s operational limits.
Operational protocol violations: failure to adhere to safety rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can create a dangerous environment.
Onboard incidents: on commercial flights, injuries can also be sustained from falling luggage, passenger-on-passenger incidents, trips and falls, and in-flight medical events.
Who May Be Held Liable for Aircraft Accidents?
At-fault parties vary depending on the case. Determining which parties are responsible for an aviation accident requires a detailed investigation of all available evidence. This includes analyzing the flight data recorder (FDR), cockpit voice recorder (CVR), and maintenance logs. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be held liable.
By aviation accident law, potential defendants in the aviation industry can include:
Major airlines (Part 121 carriers)
Charter companies (Part 135 operators)
Private pilots and their insurers (Part 91 operators)
Air traffic controllers (ATC)
Aircraft and component manufacturers
Third-party maintenance providers and maintenance crews
Airport authorities or government entities
What Happens If I Am Partially at Fault?
Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. Under this law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.765), an injured person in a commercial or small plane crash can recover compensation even if they are partially to blame for the accident. The total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your final award would be reduced by that amount. Consult a St. Louis airplane accident attorney about your unique personal injury case liability.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally five years from the date the accident happened (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). For a wrongful death claim, the lawsuit must typically be filed within three years of the person’s death (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100). Failing to file a claim within these strict deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking any compensation for your airplane crash damages.
What Compensation May Be Available for Plane Crash Victims?
Catastrophically injured victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. This can cover economic damages (current medical expenses, future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity). It can also include non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship). In cases involving fatalities, surviving family members of aviation crashes can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
How a Missouri Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help
At our law offices, we protect injured clients’ legal rights by conducting a thorough investigation to identify the at-fault party. If an accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, we review everything from pilot error to maintenance records. Our goal is to build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contact Our St. Louis Aviation Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a devastating crash, let our legal team help. Our St. Louis aviation accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney from our law firm is ready to review your aviation accident case and explain your legal options.
Our Missouri aviation accident and plane crash lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of an aviation claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Latisha S.
Great service. They helped me get my money, and everyone was very pleasant even though the health insurance took a while. Everything was on point on Kryder’s side.
(312) 223-1700