NYC Helicopter Crash: Family Awarded $116 Million for Fatal 'Death Trap' Flight

NYC Helicopter Crash: Family Awarded $116 Million for Fatal 'Death Trap' Flight

In a major legal victory, a jury has awarded $116 million to the family of Trevor Cadigan, one of five people who tragically perished in a 2018 helicopter crash in New York City. The verdict holds FlyNYON, Liberty Helicopters, and Dart Aerospace responsible for the fatal incident, highlighting serious safety concerns.

The crash occurred after a passenger tether got caught on a fuel shutoff switch, causing the helicopter to plunge into the East River. While the pilot managed to survive, the five passengers were trapped in their harnesses and died. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the harnesses, designed for construction workers, were not appropriate for aviation use and made it impossible for the passengers to escape. The NTSB also faulted FlyNYON for exploiting a regulatory loophole to avoid stricter safety standards, promoting dangerous “sneaker selfies” with passengers dangling over lower Manhattan.

The jury found FlyNYON to be 42% at fault, Liberty Helicopters 38%, and Dart Aerospace 20%. The lawsuit, filed by Cadigan's family, aimed to prevent similar no-door helicopter flights. Sadly, Cadigan's father, Jerry, a Dallas broadcast journalist, passed away in July while visiting relatives during the trial.

Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded doors-off flights with tight seat restraints. These flights have since resumed with new requirements for easier-to-release harnesses.

The $116 million verdict serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial need for safety regulations in the aviation industry and holds those responsible for the fatal crash accountable.