Four Case Western Students Die in Fiery Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will begin an investigation into a fatal 1999 Cessna plane crash that occurred near Cuyahoga County, Ohio about 10 pm on August 25. All four victims on board were Case Western University students.

Initial reports stated that shortly after the 20-year-old pilot took off, he reported the plane was having engine trouble and requested a return to the airport. As he tried to turn back to the airport, the plane crashed.  Upon impact, the plane caught fire, trapping the four students inside.  The plane, which was rented, was engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived.  A witness said he was sitting on his porch when he heard the plane struggling before he saw it crash and burst into flames.  He said several people tried to help, but it was too hot.  “The whole fuselage was involved.”  It is unknown where the young men were going; there was no flight plan filed.

It is believed that the young man obtained his pilot license within the last year.  Did pilot error cause or contribute to the accident?  Was there a mechanical problem, known or unknown?  Was the aircraft properly maintained and inspected?  Were those on board in compliance with the weight limits of the aircraft?  The answers to these questions, and more, may take years without having someone on the aircraft able to help.  If investigators determine that this accident resulted from defective equipment or poor maintenance, the owner of the plane, parts manufacturers, and/or inspectors could be held liable.

Lawsuit Financial extends its condolences to the families of these deceased young men, as well as the Case Western community.