Airport Runway Accident Lawyers

Experienced Representation for Victims of Runway Accidents

Any pilot will tell you that the most critical times of a flight are during takeoff and landing. The margins for errors, in both circumstances, are slim. If anything goes wrong, the likely result is a runway accident, which can have deadly consequences. According to a study published by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, nearly half of all aviation accidents occur during the final approach or landing and 14 percent occur during takeoff or initial climb.

If you or a loved one have been harmed in an airport runway crash, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced aviation attorney to protect your rights. The vast amount of rules and regulations governing air travel can make aviation accident cases complex and confusing, therefore, retaining a qualified aviation attorney is vital. Our aviation attorneys at Wisner Baum have represented over 100 passengers in more than a dozen runway accidents, and we have dedicated our practice to ensuring that victims of aviation crashes receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Contact us at (855) 948-5098 to speak with a Los Angeles airport runway accident attorney today.

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What Causes Takeoff and Landing Runway Accidents?

Most of us have misconceptions about how plane crashes happen. Based on what we see in the movies and on TV, when we think of plane crashes, we typically think of the sensational —a mid-air collision or engine failure at 30,000 feet, resulting in planes plummeting from the sky. The truth is that the majority of aviation accidents happen on the runway during takeoff or landing, not while the airplane is cruising in the air.

Three reasons why airport runway accidents are the most common of all aviation accidents:

• Takeoffs and landings are when planes are closest to the ground. There is often not enough time or altitude for the pilots to take corrective action.
• Planes are traveling slower, closer to their stalling speeds, and forced to do more maneuvering during these critical times.
• Planes are in closer proximity to one another when taking off or landing at an airport.

When a plane is close to the ground or in the proximity of other aircraft, there is little room for error. As we think of runway accidents, we typically think of a mechanical malfunction, maintenance issues or a number of other problems occurring during takeoff or landing that can lead to catastrophe, but oftentimes the pilots didn’t do everything they were required to do to set up a safe takeoff or landing.

Top causes for runway accidents:

• ​Pilot error – Most runway accidents are the result of pilot error, which can result from tactical errors (such as poor actions, planning or decision making, often caused by lack of experience or fatigue) or operational errors (relating to training or instruction).
• Air traffic controller error — Air traffic controllers are often responsible for dozens of planes taking off and landing at the same time. The job is a demanding one; difficult and complex. One small mistake can lead to a mid-air collision or runway incursion (this occurs when another plane or a vehicle is on a runway designated for a plane coming in to land, or starting its takeoff roll).
• Mechanical failure or defective design – Either of these causes can result in runway accidents. For example, if a landing gear does not deploy it can force pilots to perform a belly landing.
• Maintenance error— Roughly 12 percent of all aviation accident reports cite poor maintenance as a contributing factor. Between the years 1994 to 2004, maintenance issues contributed to 42 percent of fatal airline accidents in the U.S.
• Bad weather — Inclement weather can cause runway accidents when a plane is either unable to properly take off due to stormy weather, or unable to land appropriately, often causing the plane to overrun a runway.

Types of Runway Accidents

Runway Excursion