Small planes offer freedom, flexibility, and thrills to pilots and passengers alike and, despite an overall decline in air travel since the start of the Corona Virus pandemic, small plane travel remains popular. A number of private small plane owners have started marketing more due to people’s willingness to pay extra for the seclusion of their own planes. However, there are hidden dangers lurking within small-plane travel that can have devastating consequences for those in the air and on the ground. With all of the small private and municipal airports in and around the Houston area, private plane crashes are all too common.
Are Small Planes More Dangerous Than Commercial Planes?
Despite their benefits, small planes are often more dangerous than commercial planes. For every 100,000 hours of flight time, there are 5.2 small plane accidents whereas there are only .2 commercial airplane crashes per 100,000 hours of flight time. Some reasons for this are:
- Small planes lack some of the safety features that commercial planes have.
- Flying a small plane doesn’t require as much pilot training.
- Pilots have less control over a small plane in inclement weather.
- Small plane pilots often fly as a hobby not as a career–making them less experienced pilots.
- Higher incidence of wildlife-related crashes due to the lower altitude small planes fly in.
Most Common Causes of Small Plane Crashes
There are many reasons why a plane may crash. Some of the most common reasons that small planes crash include:
- Pilot error. Mistakes made by inexperienced pilots are the number one cause of small plane crashes. Running out of fuel, misjudging where to land, and failing to check that the engines or controls are working properly before takeoff are examples of this.
- Bad weather. Unlike larger jets that can fly high above the clouds to avoid dangerous weather, small planes are designed to fly at lower altitudes and are less equipped to handle inclement weather due to their smaller size and weight.
- Animal collisions. Birds flying into the engine or hitting the windshield of a small plane can cause a small plane to go out of control and crash. Geese are one of the worst offenders. But it is not only animals in the air. Deer running in front of a plane while landing or taking off can cause a small plane to crash, especially in small private rural airports.
Who May Be Liable For A Small Plane Crash?
If you are the victim of a small plane crash, several parties may be held liable for your injuries depending upon their involvement and actions. Some of these include the:
- Airplane pilot
- Airplane owner
- Airplane manufacturer
- Parts manufacturer(s)
- Air traffic controllers
- Landing or takeoff airports
- Maintenance companies.
What To Do After a Small Plane Crash
Determining the cause of a small plane crash requires experts to evaluate the wreckage and the crash data. The underlying cause is often not apparent in airplane crashes. You should also be aware that in some cases, your own insurance policies (accidental death, etc.) may apply in a plane crash. If your loved one was injured or killed in a plane crash, speak to an aviation accident attorney to determine your rights. They can help you evaluate what your rights are. Contact your own insurance agent before flying in a small plane to check your coverage in the event of an accident.
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