Aircraft Malfunctions
Aircraft design and construction defects are deficiencies, flaws, or failures, and in the absence of a well-functioning system, a plane’s operation becomes dangerous. These defects can occur during design and manufacture or develop over time as systems degrade through prolonged use. System failures may also stem from the loss of functioning in critical subsystems—such as hydraulics, avionics, electrical systems, or flight control systems.
Sadly, the aviation field pays this risk premium consistently. A failure in critical control systems can impair a pilot’s ability to guide the aircraft, while, paradoxically, a fully operational but flawed system can also restrict pilot authority—sometimes leading to uncontained fires, critical disassembly, and tragic loss of life.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates aviation accidents. Understanding the role of aircraft defects or system failures can provide critical insight to victims and their legal representatives.
Types of Aircraft Defects and Failures
Design Defects
These design flaws primarily stem from the original design itself. This may lead to the creation of an unsafe design, as was the case with the DC-10. Due to a design flaw, the cargo door could be locked but could also be opened mid-flight, leading to decompression of the aircraft and subsequent crashes.
DEFECTS IN MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing process may also introduce defects, and an otherwise acceptable design can result in a defective product. For example, a turbine blade failure may be the result of faulty forging, or a hydraulic actuator may be defective because of improper sealing. Recently, improperly assembled rudder actuators have introduced the potential risk of a jam.
MAINTENANCE-RELATED FAILURES
Maintenance may lead to the introduction of defects. The absence of maintenance, however, is not a defect but rather an operational risk. In many operational systems, maintenance is an essential risk-mitigation process. A classic example is Japan Airlines Flight 123, which crashed after a pressure bulkhead situated at the rear of the plane failed due to prior improper repair of the bulkhead, resulting in structural failure.
Failures in Infotech and Control Systems
Modern aircraft are equipped with computerized flight control systems. A failure of the control system can occur due to a software bug, faulty sensor, or flawed algorithm. A good example of this is the MCAS system in the 737 MAX. This system was responsible for the overriding of control in the aircraft due to a faulty sensor that resulted in a series of nose-dives. This system is also blamed for the crashes involving the 737 MAX.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses system failures through regulation of maintenance, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives.
Who Suffers Consequences with Faulty and Failing Aircraft?
Defects in aviation are very case-specific and, therefore, liability is complicated. Some of the parties who may be liable are:
The Aircraft’s Makers – Responsible for the initial design and final certification.
Component Manufacturers – This includes suppliers of avionics, engines, or any structural components.
Maintenance Providers or Overhaul Facilities – This applies when negligent repair or installation of components causes system failure.
Aircraft Operators or Airlines – In limited circumstances, operational entities may have responsibilities connected to inspection protocols or system monitoring, depending on the specific facts of the case.
All of the above-mentioned parties may owe a duty of care to establish and maintain certain standards of aviation safety. When that duty is breached, the families of the victims of these failures may pursue liability in a court of law.
What Could Be Awarded If There Is a Defect in Aviation?
Every case is different when it comes to aviation injuries. Some of the possible compensable damages include the following:
- Past and future medical costs
- Loss of income and/or earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of a partner
- Costs associated with funeral and burial (if applicable)
None of these damages are guaranteed. In-depth analysis of the accident and applicable laws determines if any compensation is possible. Our lawyers assist families and provide options that can be pursued in these types of situations.
How are these claims verified and substantiated?
Investigating and resolving aviation claims is thorough and complex. In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board reviews aviation occurrences to ascertain probable cause. Investigators collect and analyze data from flight recorders, maintenance records, component performance data, wreckage patterns, and other critical relics to gain a clearer understanding of what happened and why. Collectively, they build a clear picture of the sequence of events.
For legal claims, an equally thorough but separate approach is taken. An injured plaintiff must prove that a defect existed and that it, in a substantial and relevant way, caused or contributed to the injury. Aviation attorneys collaborate with aviation engineers, aircraft maintenance specialists, human factors engineers, and other technical experts to recreate the mishap and identify the gaps and responsible parties.
The NTSB, for example, issues findings of fact but does not assign legal liability. These findings, however, are critical in the claims process because technical documentation, design records, maintenance data, and expert analyses help determine whether a defect exists and the potential impact of that defect on the aircraft’s performance.
Why This Matters for Victims and Families
The emotional and physical effects on survivors and loved ones of an aircraft failing or crashing without warning are significant. When answers are not readily available, the medical trauma and uncertainty can feel even worse, and the great loss can leave people with profound heartache.
In recognition of these emotional difficulties and the need for guidance, we attempt to provide families with a legal pathway to hold responsible parties, companies, or individuals accountable for their role in the event. While these cases are complex, the failure of an aircraft component followed by legal action withstands the test of both determination and time.
The Ammons Law Firm is here for you.
The precision and complex strategies needed for aviation cases are essential, as they often hinge on other failing systems or components.
In these aviation cases, our plane crash attorneys understand how difficult and complex the legal process can be for families coping with the aftermath of a tragic crash. In such challenging times, as new information is assessed, we are here to support and protect families’ legal rights.
Our Aviation accident lawyers are here to help you. Contact us to learn how you can recover compensation after an accident.
