Beasley Allen’s Mike Andrews has been hired by the family of one of the victims killed in the fiery plane crash at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Dekalb County, Georgia, Oct. 8.
“Our client is trying to process this sudden and unexpected loss, and part of that process is looking for answers about the cause of the crash,” said Andrews, who handles all types of aviation litigation for the firm, involving both civilian and military aircraft. “We will be looking closely at this pilot’s qualifications and training as well as the weight and balance of the aircraft. The pilot is responsible for ensuring that the plane is airworthy and within flight limits. We are honored to work for our clients to ensure that this investigation is thorough and provides as many answers as possible, including how and why this tragedy occurred.”
The single-engine Cessna P210N Centurion aircraft was owned and piloted by Jonathan Rosen. Three other passengers were on board. The plane had been fully fueled and was bound for Houston, Texas, when it crashed at 1:11 p.m. local time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are also investigating the crash. NTSB investigators confirmed that the plane only reached 75 feet before falling from the sky. Part of the investigation will focus on the plane’s weight, along with its service history, the pilot’s qualifications and even the weather, which was clear on the day of the crash.
The aircraft’s engine was recently upgraded from a Continental engine to a Rolls Royce turbine engine, which consumes more fuel because it can carry more weight. The plane was also outfitted with an additional fuel tank to meet the new engine’s need. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft crashed to the ground, bounced and flipped on its side. It immediately was engulfed in flames and was incinerated within minutes because of the large amount of jet fuel.
