Aviation Accidents in Reno Nevada

Many visitors who love casinos and traveling fly into Reno instead of driving or taking the train. The main airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is managed by the Reno Stead Airport. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the second largest airport in the state after Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (though it’ll always be McCarran to us). Because Nevada is a very rural state, there are many smaller airports and private planes as well. Visitors across the state may travel by charter planes, private planes, and helicopters. When accidents happen, the consequences can be fatal. Survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries.

Pilot dies during Reno Air Races

CNN reported on September 18, 2022 that a pilot died while participating in the Reno Air Races. The Reno Air Racing Association said that the pilot crashed during the third lap of the jet gold race, and expressed their “deepest sympathies to the pilot’s family and friends as well as racers and race fans who make up our September family.” The death was confirmed by the Washoe County Sheriff’s office.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it had begun an investigation. The aircraft involved in the crash was an Aero Vodochody L-29 aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that it also would be investigating the fatal crash.

The races at Reno have been going on for more than 50 years. There are seven racing classes, and the event also includes a large static (non-moving) display – with both military and civil flight demonstrations. Back in 2011, 11 people died and over 60 were hurt when a pilot lost control and the plane crashed into spectators. Organizers claimed they made many safety improvements based on NTSB recommendations and started the races again the following year.

Types of aviation accidents

Some of the different types of plane and helicopter accidents our Reno personal injury lawyers handle include:

• Commercial airline accidents. These are the large airlines and common carriers that fly people into and out of Reno from all parts of the world. While commercial plane crashes are rare, when they happen, many people are catastrophically injured or killed.
• Charter plane accidents. Many organizations, small businesses, and wealthy owners hire charter companies to transport them into and out of Reno.
• Helicopter accidents. Helicopters can transport people in and around Nevada without using the airport. Private companies and individuals often use their own helicopters or helicopters they rent from various companies. These vehicle are hard to control, especially in bad weather.
• Emergency medical transport services. Many hospitals and burn centers use air ambulances to transport patients to their facilities, or from one facility to another. Accidents can happen when pilots race to get the patient to the health facility.
• Air tours. Reno and Lake Tahoe have many beautiful vistas. Air tours often take visitors up and over these beautiful sites. Unfortunately, in addition to hiring pilots that lack the experience and skills of local pilots, the owners of the air tours often fail to appreciate that some of the scenic terrain may be unfamiliar, causing vision and navigation problems for the pilots.

At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno plane crash lawyers work with the NTSB, the FAA, local agencies, local police, and our own investigators to determine how your accident happened and who is responsible. We review all relevant information such as black boxes, flight records, maintenance records, repair records, and other documents. We thoroughly question the pilots, the owners of the plane, all other responsible defendants. We also work with air traffic experts and aviation engineers.

We also work with aircraft engineers to show that defective aviation parts may have caused the accident. Air traffic controllers, maintenance crews, repair companies, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the owners of the emergency medical transport service companies, and other owners may also be liable for your injuries or the death of a loved one.

Why do plane crashes happen in and near Reno?

Some of the causes of Reno plane and aviation accidents include:

·       Pilot mistakes ·       Defective aircraft parts ·       Mistakes by the crew ·       Maintenance and repair negligence ·       Difficulties operating in turbulent conditions

·       Power failures ·       Fuel shortages ·       Flying where the pilot doesn’t know the terrain ·       Midair collisions ·       Many other types of causes

 

What types of injuries do aviation accidents cause?

Sadly, many plane, helicopter, and other aircraft accidents are deadly because of explosions or the force of gravity as pilots and passengers fall from extremely high heights. Survivors often suffer injuries that last a lifetime. Many victims require surgeries, lengthy rehabilitative care, assistive devices, medications, and other types of treatments.

Plane and helicopter crashes can cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other forms of head trauma
• Spinal cord damage including paralysis
• Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
• Simple, complex, compound and multiple fractures
• Kidney, lung, and other types of internal organ damage
• Third-degree burn injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our Reno aviation accident lawyers review your injuries with your doctors. We want to know exactly what injuries you have, what types of treatments are available, the cost of those treatments, and every way your injuries are making your life difficult.

Plane accidents are frightening and typically cause serious injuries. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we understand your anguish. We have the experience and resources to hold pilots, aircraft owners, and other responsible defendants accountable for all your economic and personal harm. To discuss all your rights after a Reno plane crash, call 775-322-2923 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.