NTSB Releases Fatality Statistics for 2011

A helicopter releases fire-suppressant chemicals on a forest fire.

The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) has recently released aviation data and statistics for transportation fatalities in 2011.  According to the NTSB, there were 494 aviation fatalities in 2011.  The breakdown on these statistics includes:  General Aviation (444); Air Taxi (41) Foreign/Unregistered (9); Airlines (0) and Commuter (0).

Olson Brooksby practices a wide variety of aviation law.  We have experience representing commercial and local airlines, aviation insurers, aviation product manufacturers, and airplane owners.  Our attorneys have handled a broad variety of aviation law matters, including personal injury defense; UCC litigation; product liability defense litigation; contract and lease drafting; contract negotiation and disputes; assistance with fuel contracts; and general aviation commercial litigation.  We also provide counseling regarding insurance, risk assessment, and best practices.

Much of the firm’s practice is devoted to aviation law, and we are one of the few firms in Oregon with aviation trial experience.  Scott Brooksby leads our aviation practice, devoting a substantial amount of his time and practice to aviation-related matters.  Mr. Brooksby served as local counsel for one of the largest aviation manufacturers in the world in a nine-week trial in Oregon state court.  The trial involved product liability issues and concerned a helicopter crash that resulted in burns, permanent injuries, and multiple deaths.  Mr. Brooksby is on the aviation subcommittee of the American Bar Association’s Mass Torts section.  Mr. Brooksby has also been featured as a speaker and a moderator at aviation conferences around the country, including the American Bar Association’s Aviation Litigation National Institute in New York, New York.

While Olson Brooksby’s specialized aviation practice is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the nature of our practice often takes us to various other geographical locations, particularly for investigations, witness interviews, and depositions.

There are important advantages to hiring experienced aircraft accident defense attorneys who have investigated and successfully litigated numerous aircraft, helicopter, and commercial aircraft accidents and who have the technical knowledge to hire the right experts. Our aviation attorneys are familiar with allegations concerning: mechanical malfunctions due to airframe or component defects; improper repair or maintenance; improper weight and balance; weather; piloting and human factors; instruments and avionics; air traffic control; and even issues relating to bird strikes and lasers.  Our aviation attorneys have familiarity with the procedures of the NTSB and the FAA, and we have experience with document requests and evidence rules concerning NTSB reports.  Scott Brooksby has experience working with NTSB employees, both within the context of litigation as well as outside of the courtroom at aviation conferences.