Buffalo Plane Crash Few Clues So Far – Wrongful Death Law Suits Possible

Following the Hudson River plane crash less than four weeks ago, another airplane has gone down in the state of New York, however, this time with a much different outcome.  The NTSB reports that the twin turboprop aircraft Continental Connection Flight 3407 from Newark, N.J had been nearing its landing destination of Buffalo Niagara International Airport around 10:20 p.m. Thursday, when the plane lost contact with ground control, and according to witnesses, took a nose dive from the sky and plummeted into a suburban home in Buffalo, New York.  The impact not only killed all forty-nine passengers and crew members, but also, one resident in the home as well. Initial reports note that at least two other residents of the home managed to escape, albeit with injuries.

The crash site, which still has yet to produce the plane’s black box recorders, erupted into flames almost immediately from the aircraft’s 5,000 pounds of fuel, which has caused investigators and rescue workers numerous problems.  An effort to recover potentially injured survivors was initially made; however, the inferno engulfed the crash site, pushing back any rescuers.  Additionally, the NTSB made mention of the slow recovery of bodies, as well as the black box recorders due to the heat emanating from the crash site as well.  Victims of family members on the flight must now wait in shock to hear the inevitable outcome of their loved one’s fate on the flight, which could take some time due to the blaze.

A number of legal issues arise from the crash, especially with regard to possible aviation accident and wrongful death suits, which may prove difficult to decipher until investigators yield more clues regarding the crash itself.  Investigators have noted that no mayday call was made, however, initial reports do note that the pilots of the plane had mentioned over the radio some icing occurring on the aircraft’s exterior.  In the aviation industry, a number of aviation accident suits have been derived from plane crashes occurring due to icing on the aircraft’s wings, which cause a sudden loss of handling and altitude control.  According to investigators, the sudden fatal descent of the plane, with little or no maneuvering otherwise, exhibits a high propensity for the plane to lose control, which fits with the icing theory.  However, at this time, all investigators can do is speculate.