When an aircraft goes down—whether it’s a private plane, a charter jet, a helicopter, or a drone—the consequences are immediate and often fatal. Aviation accidents are rare, but when they happen, they leave little room for survival and even less for delay. These crashes don’t just happen out of nowhere. They’re almost always the result of preventable failures: pilot error, negligent maintenance, manufacturing defects, or operational mistakes made under pressure. Victims and families are left facing overwhelming loss with no clear explanation, and in many cases, no help from the parties responsible.
Georgia Aviation Accident Lawyer
At McArthur Law Firm, we represent victims of Georgia aviation accidents and their families. We focus on identifying exactly what went wrong and holding the right parties accountable under Georgia law. These accidents are high-stakes, and require immediate action. Evidence from the crash site, flight records, and maintenance logs must be preserved and analyzed, or it may be gone forever.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
Types of Georgia Aviation Accidents
Commercial Airline Accidents — Although rare, these accidents can have catastrophic outcomes. They typically involve major carriers operating under tight regulations, with most crashes occurring during takeoff or landing, though mechanical failures or pilot error may also contribute.
Private Plane And Charter Jet Crashes — A significant number of aviation accidents in Georgia involve private aircraft and charter jets. These incidents often result from pilot error, substandard maintenance, outdated equipment, or adverse weather, as these flights are not bound by the same rigorous standards as commercial airlines.
Helicopter Accidents — Used for various purposes such as medical transport and law enforcement, helicopters face unique risks. Rotor failures, tail rotor strikes, and other mechanical issues are common threats, especially given the low altitudes and confined landing areas involved in their operation.
Agricultural Aircraft Accidents — Crop dusting planes in rural Georgia navigate low altitudes and face obstacles like power lines and unpredictable weather. These aircraft also carry chemicals, which can pose additional health dangers if released during a crash.
Airshow And Recreational Aviation Accidents — Popular during Georgia’s fair-weather months, these flights often involve stunt pilots, vintage planes, and minimally certified operators. The casual nature of such events increases the risk of accidents caused by human error or mechanical malfunction.
Drone-Related Aviation Incidents — Representing a newer challenge, these incidents involve unmanned drones colliding with people, property, or piloted aircraft. Drones operated in restricted zones have caused close calls and even injuries at public events or in neighborhoods.
Unique Injuries from Georgia Aviation Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Impact from aviation accidents can lead to TBIs with symptoms like memory loss and mood disturbances, often emerging several days after the incident.
Burns and Smoke Inhalation — Jet fuel fires may result in serious burns and exposure to toxic smoke. Recovery can involve lengthy hospitalization, skin grafts, and respiratory therapy.
Injuries to Spinal Cord — Crashes or hard landings can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries demand extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries — Collapsing aircraft structures and flying debris can cause fractures and crushed limbs, frequently requiring multiple surgeries and long recovery periods.
Psychological Trauma — Survivors might suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, or disturbing flashbacks. These mental health challenges can persist for years and significantly alter daily functioning.
Popular Airports in Georgia
Atlanta — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world’s busiest, offering wide-ranging flights. The metro area also includes DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK), Fulton County Executive (FTY), and Cobb County International (RYY) for general aviation.
Macon — The city is served by Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN), supporting both regional commercial flights and general aviation. Macon Downtown Airport (MAC), closer to the city center, handles private aviation and flight-related services.
Warner Robins — Commercial travelers use the nearby Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN), while private pilots often rely on Perry-Houston County Airport (PXE), located just south of Warner Robins near Perry.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Georgia Aviation Accident
Pilot Or Crew Member — Liability may arise when a pilot acts negligently, such as flying under the influence, ignoring hazardous weather, or violating safety regulations. Flight crew members can also share responsibility if they don’t adhere to safety procedures or fail to react appropriately during emergencies. These scenarios may be governed by Georgia’s negligence law, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2, which holds pilots to a high standard of care due to the inherent dangers of aviation.
Aircraft Owner Or Operator — Responsibility for safe operation and proper maintenance of the aircraft typically lies with the owner or operator. This includes duties like hiring competent pilots, maintaining thorough records, and complying with aviation safety standards. When those responsibilities are neglected, liability may be pursued under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which provides for damages resulting from a breached legal duty.
Maintenance Provider Or Repair Shop — An accident linked to faulty maintenance work can result in the liability of the mechanic or company responsible for the repairs. Improperly executed repairs that contribute to a crash can form the basis for a negligence claim against the repair provider.
Manufacturer Or Parts Supplier — A crash caused by an unsafe design or defective part may give rise to liability for the part’s manufacturer or seller. Georgia’s product liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, allows injured parties to sue for damages when a product is unreasonably dangerous for its intended purpose. Claims can involve design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate labeling and warnings.
Property Owner — When an aircraft crashes at low altitude onto private property, such as in drone-related incidents or agricultural aviation, the landowner might bear responsibility for hazardous conditions or hidden dangers they failed to address. These cases fall under Georgia’s premises liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, which obligates landowners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors.
Air Traffic Controller Or Airport Operator — Fault may be attributed to airport operators or air traffic controllers who provide incorrect guidance or fail to alert pilots to dangers. Often, these individuals are state or local government employees. The Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20 through § 50-21-37) allows limited claims against state entities, subject to strict procedural requirements. Additionally, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) enables lawsuits against the U.S. government for negligence by federal employees, including FAA personnel. Under the FTCA, claims related to air traffic control, maintenance, or federal flight operations are allowed, although discretionary function exceptions can limit recovery. Lawsuits must be brought in federal district court.
Wrongful Death Claims for Airplane Accidents in Georgia
In Georgia, wrongful death claims arising from fatal airplane accidents are governed by O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, which allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the full value of the deceased’s life. This includes both economic damages, such as lost income and benefits, and intangible elements like loss of companionship and enjoyment of life. Eligible claimants typically include a spouse, children, or, if none exist, the deceased’s parents or estate representative. A separate estate claim may also be filed under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-5 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and funeral costs. Georgia imposes a two-year statute of limitations, meaning claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, with some exceptions for criminal investigations.
Laws Vary by Location in Plane Crashes
In airplane crashes, the law that governs damages depends on “conflict of laws.” Courts may apply the law of the crash site or the victim’s home state, each with different rules on compensation. Some limit recovery, while others allow broader damages for lost income or emotional suffering. The court handling the case decides which law applies, which can greatly affect the outcome. Federal laws may also apply, especially in international incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family sue if their loved one died in the crash?
Yes, under Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act.
Does it matter if the crash happened out of state?
It might. Georgia law could still apply if the victim lived here.
Can the airline be sued if the pilot made a mistake?
Yes. Georgia law holds employers responsible for employee negligence.
What if a mechanical problem caused the crash?
You can sue under Georgia’s product liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11).
Are drone crashes treated the same as plane crashes?
Not always. Georgia drone law is still developing.
Can a survivor get money for PTSD or anxiety?
Yes. Georgia allows recovery for emotional distress (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-6).
Do waivers signed before a flight block a lawsuit?
Sometimes. Georgia law may not enforce all waivers.
What if the person flying was a friend or family member?
You may still have a claim under Georgia negligence law.
Does insurance always pay for aviation injuries?
Not always. It depends on the policy and who was at fault.
Additional Resources
- Federal Aviation Administration – FAA Statements on Aviation Accidents and Incidents — This source from the FAA includes official preliminary statements about recent aviation accidents and incidents across the United States. It covers both general and commercial aviation. Users can find details about the aircraft involved, number of people on board, location, and FAA investigation status.
- National Transportation Safety Board – Aviation Investigation Search — This searchable database lets users explore records of civil aviation accidents and incidents that the NTSB has investigated. Users can look up investigations by location, date, aircraft type, or injury severity. It includes accidents within the U.S. and those abroad involving U.S.-registered aircraft where the NTSB participated.
- News3LV – Georgia Governor Confirms Identity of Crew Chief on Army Helicopter That Crashed Near DC — This news article reports on a mid-air collision involving a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport. It confirms the identities of two individuals from Georgia who died in the crash. The article includes official statements, details about the collision, and information about air traffic control staffing levels at the time of the incident.
- National Library of Medicine – Aviation-Related Injury Morbidity and Mortality — This research article provides data on injuries and deaths from aviation-related events in the U.S. between 2000 and 2005. It examines hospital records and death certificates to describe injury types, fatality rates, and affected victim groups. The study offers insight into the most common injuries and discusses potential safety improvements and gaps in aviation injury surveillance.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Aviation Accident Injuries in Cobb County
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
