Airplane Accident Attorneys File Lawsuit Against Rio Warbirds After a Fatal Wisconsin Airplane Crash

The Ammons Law Firm has filed a major lawsuit against Rio Warbirds, doing business as Texas Warbird Museum, and other defendants following the tragic crash of a vintage military training aircraft into Lake Winnebago that claimed two lives. The lawsuit stems from an incident involving a 1944 North American AT-6D Texan aircraft.

According to the lawsuit, the aircraft allegedly experienced a rapid descent and crashed into Lake Winnebago within five minutes of takeoff from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The incident occurred during the 2023 Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture fly-in event. Multiple eyewitnesses allegedly observed the aircraft enter what appeared to be an uncontrolled spin before impacting the water.

The lawsuit alleges Rio Warbirds failed in their duty to properly maintain, service, inspect, and ensure safe operation of the 79-year-old aircraft. Claims against Rio Warbirds include negligent entrustment, negligent hiring, training and supervision, inadequate safety policies, and violations of Federal Aviation Regulations. The suit alleges the company knew or should have known about potential risks but proceeded with “conscious indifference to the rights, safety and welfare of others.”

The lawsuit asserts vicarious liability claims against Rio Warbirds under respondeat superior, alleging the pilot was operating the aircraft within the scope of employment with the museum. The lawsuit claims Rio Warbirds allegedly failed to ensure the flight characteristics and complexity of the 79-year-old warbird were not beyond the skill level of those operating it.

First responders mounted an extensive rescue operation involving dive teams and sonar equipment to locate and recover the submerged aircraft from Lake Winnebago. According to the lawsuit, the tail section had separated from the fuselage, and both occupants were still strapped into the cockpit when recovered.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for alleged conscious pain and suffering prior to death, mental anguish, loss of companionship and society, pecuniary losses, funeral expenses, and exemplary damages based on claims of gross negligence.

Contact the Plane Crash Attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident involving Rio Warbirds, Texas Warbird Museum, historic military aircraft, or any other aircraft crash, the experienced trial attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm are here to help evaluate your case and protect your legal rights.

About the Ammons Law Firm

Led by founding attorney Rob Ammons, The Ammons Law Firm is a Houston-based personal injury firm representing clients nationwide in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. Backed with more than three decades of experience, The Ammons Law Firm focuses on complex liability cases and has successfully recovered over $2 billion for clients wrongfully injured or killed by corporate and governmental wrongdoing.