Venue: Contra Costa County

Jury Verdict/Result: Defense Verdict (partial settlement)

Case Name: Injured Class v. Sun Valley Mall, Beechcraft et. al

Description: A Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed into the Sun Valley Mall in Concord, California. The litigation involved multiple parties and complex interests. The cloud ceilings at Buchanan Field were alleged to be lower than the FAA minimums required to allow aircraft to land. The physical configuration of the shopping center was an issue as to both the construction of the buildings and the lighting on approaches to the runways of the airport. The deceased pilot had been using medication on a regular basis. Numerous deaths, personal injury and property losses were caused by the flame and debris passing through the roof of the shopping center upon patrons below. The crash caused the closure of a major financial center at a crucial period during the economic year. Experts on pilot behavior, metallurgy, construction, aircraft maintenance and operation, and electronic radio transmissions were all a part of the lengthy trial. Testimony of test pilots and flight surgeons were crucial to the evaluation of the conduct of the pilot during the approach to the airport.