Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Aircraft Crash

On a crisp November morning in 2023, what began as a routine flight turned into a devastating tragedy. Charles Walker Pickering, Jr. was piloting his Piper PA-32R-301T aircraft from Tennessee to Alabama—a journey he had likely made before. But somewhere over the rugged terrain near Attalla, Alabama, disaster struck. The engine suddenly lost power. Despite declaring an emergency, the aircraft could not make it to safety. It crashed into the mountainous landscape, claiming Mr. Pickering’s life.

Uncovering the Cause

The Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation revealed alarming details: fractured gear assemblies and missing gear teeth in the magneto and idler gears—critical components of the engine. These defects, according to the lawsuit, were the root cause of the catastrophic engine failure.

Holding Companies Accountable

In the wake of this tragedy, Beasley Allen Law Firm and Greene & Phillips filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Baldwin County Circuit Court on behalf of Mr. Pickering’s estate. The complaint names several defendants—Textron Inc., Lycoming Engines, Champion Aerospace, Continental Aerospace Technologies, Sarasota Avionics, Anson Air, and LSA Services—alleging negligence in the design, manufacture, inspection, and maintenance of essential engine parts. Service providers, the suit claims, failed to detect serious issues with the magneto, crankshaft idler gear, and fuel pump assembly, creating an unreasonable risk of harm.

The Legal Battle Ahead

The lawsuit seeks justice under Alabama law through claims of:

• Product Liability under the Alabama Extended Manufacturers Liability Doctrine (AEMLD)
• Negligence and Wantonness in design, manufacturing, and maintenance
• Wrongful Death

Punitive damages are being pursued to hold all responsible parties accountable and prevent similar tragedies. A jury trial has been requested.

A Broader Mission: Aviation Safety

This case is more than a legal battle—it’s a call for stronger safety standards in aviation. Leading the charge is Mike Andrews, author of Aviation Litigation & Accident Investigation and recognized as one of the Top 10 Aviation Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Mike has represented families impacted by some of the most devastating aviation disasters, including the Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes. Today, he and the Beasley Allen team are advocating for justice on behalf of more than 125 families affected by the Air India Flight 171 crash.

Whether it’s a catastrophic airline disaster or a small plane accident, experienced aviation attorneys help families navigate complex legal terrain and fight for the compensation they deserve.