Bell Helicopter Loses Lawsuit, Pays $8.7 Million
June 21, 2001
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of helicopters, has been found responsible for the death of U.S. Forest Service pilot Floyd Hiser. An Orange County jury determined that the company was liable for installing a faulty fuel system in the Bell 206L-1 "Long Ranger" helicopter.
The Bell 206L-1 is used by many law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and television news teams. Hiser was using the helicopter to fight a forest fire in the San Bernardino Mountains when gas flow to the engine stopped, causing the helicopter to plummet to the ground. Lawyers for Bell contend that the fuel system did and still does work properly, and the company continues to have a good safety record. They believe that Hiser simply failed to put enough gas in the tank for the lengthy flight.
Despite the evidence brought forth by the defense, the jury did not believe that Hiser was responsible for his own death. In fact, the jurors found that not only was Bell responsible for Hiser's death, but the company was also aware of the faulty fuel system and did nothing to correct the problem. To date, Federal regulators have not found the fuel system design to be faulty, but they have received numerous complaints from pilots across the country detailing instances of Bell helicopters loosing power in midair. In response, Federal regulators issued a warning to Bell helicopter pilots to ensure that the fuel system was properly maintained and serviced regularly.
The jury awarded Sharon Hiser $8.7 million in damages. Attorneys for Bell suggested that the company would appeal.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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