Plane Crash On San Diego Freeway Proves Fatal

A small plane crashed onto a car on a highway north of San Diego killing one person and injuring five others. According to an NBC San Diego news report, the incident occurred the morning of April 2, 2016, on the 15 North near State Route 76. California Highway Patrol officials say a single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft struck a Nissan that was pulled over on the freeway. One person in the car, identified as 38-year-old Antoinette Frances Isbelle, died and three other occupants including the male driver were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Ongoing Investigation

The fatally injured passenger was sitting in the back of the car. The pilot and passenger in the plane suffered major injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. This apparently is not the first time the Lancair IV has landed on that stretch of the highway. Former MLB catcher Matt Nokes said he used to own the plane and landed it safely on the freeway in February 2000 after the engine quit. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash as well.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of Antoinette Frances Isbelle for their tragic loss. We also wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

What Caused This Crash?

At this point, it appears that both the FAA and the NTSB are looking into precisely what caused this crash. It is also interesting to note that this is not the first time this particular small aircraft has landed on this stretch of the freeway, although it is the first time it has crash-landed. We trust officials are asking a number of questions here. What was the condition of the aircraft at the time it was being flown? Was it in a safe enough condition to be flown? Did a manufacturing defect or faulty part cause or contribute to the incident? Did pilot error or negligence cause this tragic crash?

Liability Issues

If the pilot is determined to have been at fault here, he could be held financially responsible for Isbelle’s wrongful death as well the other victims’ injuries. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim seeking damages including medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.

Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims and families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and ensure that they are fully compensated for their losses.