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Drunk Passengers’ Families Sue After Fatal Crash

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Families of three drunk passengers killed in a 2010 floatplane crash are suing the airline and pilot's estate, alleging negligence in allowing impaired passengers to board and the pilot's failure to wear a shoulder harness.
  • Canada's TSB concluded that the crash was likely caused by the intoxicated passengers, with one possibly kicking the pilot's seat and forcing the plane into an unrecoverable dive.
  • The passengers were reportedly drunk, arguing, and had brought alcohol aboard after another water-taxi company refused to take them to their destination.
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The families of three drunk passengers killed in a May 2010 floatplane crash off Vancouver Island are suing the airline, saying the pilot never should have let them on board in the first place.

The airplane crashed into the water not long after takeoff, killing the three passengers and pilot Damon York on impact. Canada’s Transportation Safety Board said the position of the pilot’s seat suggested the passenger behind him kicked the back of his seat, causing him to be jammed into the panel and forcing the airplane into an unrecoverable dive.

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