New York, NY — In a landmark decision, a Manhattan jury awarded $116 million to the family of Trevor Cadigan, a 26-year-old journalist who tragically lost his life along with four others when their helicopter crashed into the East River in March 2018. The lawsuit, centered on claims of negligence and improper safety measures, culminated in a verdict that exposed significant lapses in the aviation tour industry.
The helicopter, designed for aerial photography without doors, plunged into the frigid waters after a passenger’s harness accidentally triggered a fuel shutoff switch, immediately cutting the engine. While the pilot, secured only by a seatbelt, managed to escape and survive, the passengers were less fortunate. Trapped by harnesses intended for construction use rather than aviation, all five succumbed before they could free themselves.
The jury’s investigation pointed a significant amount of blame at FlyNYON, the company that arranged the flight, for 42% of the fault. Liberty Helicopters, which owned and operated the aircraft, was deemed 38% responsible. The remaining 20% fault was attributed to Dart Aerospace, the manufacturer of a malfunctioning flotation device that failed to keep the helicopter upright in the water.
This tragic incident underscored critical oversights in regulatory measures for tourist flights leveraging “doors-off” experiences, which had become popular for the dramatic aerial views and photographs they offered. The company heavily promoted these flights, encouraging passengers to capture unique views over Manhattan, while deliberately avoiding terms like “air tour” or “sightseeing” to exploit regulatory loopholes. This strategy allowed FlyNYON to operate under less stringent safety standards than those mandated for typical tourist flights.
The aftermath of the crash prompted a rigorous review by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which highlighted the perilous nature of the harnesses and faulted FlyNYON for not adhering to adequate safety protocols. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by temporarily grounding all similar doors-off helicopter flights. Eventually, the flights resumed but with new requirements for quick-release restraints that could be undone in a single action.
Trevor Cadigan’s parents initiated the legal battle not merely seeking justice for their son but also aiming to halt the risky no-doors flights that claimed his life. The poignant narrative stood as a testament to the hazards posed by lax oversight and the critical need for robust safety measures in the aviation tourism sector.
While justice has been partially served with the jury’s verdict, the FAA’s revised regulations point toward a safer future for aerial photography enthusiasts. However, the aviation community continues to grapple with the balance between thrilling aerial experiences and passenger safety, underlined by this tragic event that not only reshaped regulatory landscapes but also reminded operators and regulators alike of their crucial responsibilities.