Modern technology and government regulation have made flying one of the safest forms of transportation. Sadly, plane crashes do still occur and are often fatal for the pilot and any passengers on board. Last month a Brawley, California, crop duster crashed near Rutherford Road in the morning hours. The pilot was lucky to be left alive.
Fortunately, no one traveling on the nearby roadway was hurt by the fallen aircraft. At the time of the incident, it was reported that the pilot sustained only minor injuries.
One of the first calls order in these types of accidents is for the Federal aviation authorities to determine whether human error or mechanical failure is to blame. No updates have been provided yet as to the final determination.
Establishing what causes an aircraft crash is often difficult. Uncovering the cause often requires an extensive investigation into the condition of the plane and even the pilot. Plane crashes can be caused by various mechanical defects or failures. They can also be the result of poor weather conditions, pilot decision errors, or even a combination of factors.
Another factor that is investigated is whether or not faulty equipment or defective parts lead to engine failure. Issues with instruments can make flying safely extremely difficult and even deadly.
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, less than 5 percent of aviation accidents involve crop dusters. Often plane crashes have serious consequences, and the pilot in this incident could have been seriously injured or even killed.
Fallen planes can also present a real danger to others if they land in a public place, and can be a life-threatening obstacle if they land on a roadway. Victims involved in an aviation accident may find it beneficial to seek legal help to determine what types of remedies are available for their specific situation.
Source: Imperial Valley Press, “Valley Police Beat: FAA investigating a plane crash near Brawley,” Silvio J. Panta, 24 June 2011