MLB Pitcher Roy Halladay’s Fatal Plane Crash Turns Spotlight on Aircraft Manufacturer

An aviation accident that killed Roy Halladay, former pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies, has turned the spotlight on Northern California aircraft manufacturer, Icon Aircraft. According to a KCRA news report, 40-year-old Halladay’s death has occurred almost six months to the day an Icon test pilot and designer were killed in a crash in Lake Berryessa. Halladay had owned the ICON A5 craft for less than a month and was among the first to fly the model. He even tweeted about saying it felt like “flying a fighter jet.”

Ongoing Investigation

Icon is known for building tiny, two-seater, sport planes that are amphibious with retractable wings. Seaplanes have the complexity of facing the risk of “glass water operations” when placid conditions create a mirror-effect, affecting its depth perception. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) who are looking into the incident said Halladay’s aircraft experience “a high-energy impact” with the water. Investigators said both black boxes were recovered and the plane did not have a voice recorder.

Halladay had reportedly been a licensed pilot since 2013 and logged about 700 hours of flight time before his fatal crash on November 7, 2017 near Tampa. A full investigation could take up to two years. The previous crash that killed two people involving an Icon craft occurred May 8 over California’s Lake Berryessa. But, NTSB ruled that was caused by pilot error. Officials said to have had three fatalities in such a short period of time raises questions about how these crashes are happening. The investigation into Halladay’s crash is still ongoing.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Halladay’s family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Seeking Answers

There are a number of unanswered questions here and we hope the NTSB investigation uncovers the answers. How did the plane crash? Was it caused by pilot error? Did Halladay have sufficient training to fly this particular type of aircraft? Did some type of defect or mechanical malfunction in the aircraft trigger the crash? We trust officials are looking into these and other factors as they investigate this tragedy.

If it is determined that defective design or a faulty part caused this crash, Halladay’s family may have a product defect and wrongful death case against the manufacturer of the aircraft. In such cases, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost future income, funeral costs, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. We hope a thorough investigation sheds more light on what occurred and who, if anyone, should be held accountable.

Source:http://www.kcra.com/article/3rd-deadly-crash-puts-norcal-aircraft-company-in-spotlight/13455173