GE Culpable in 2008 Sikorsky Crash, Jury Says

Bethany Whitfield

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:27 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A jury ordered General Electric to pay $70 million in damages for a 2008 Sikorsky S-61N helicopter crash, finding the company 57% responsible due to an alleged design flaw in its CT58-140 engines.
Plaintiffs successfully argued that GE was negligent, being aware of a problem with the engine's fuel control valve for years without taking appropriate action.
The jury's verdict contradicts the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) findings, which attributed the crash to excessive weight on takeoff and negligence by the helicopter owner and crew.
General Electric expressed disappointment with the verdict, stating it contradicts NTSB findings, and plans to appeal the decision.

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A jury on Tuesday ordered General Electric to pay $70 million in damages for its role in the August 2008 crash of a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter.

The verdict came after the surviving pilot and the family of the co-pilot killed in the crash filed a $177 million lawsuit against General Electric for negligence associated with an alleged design flaw in the CT58-140 engines used in the S-61N.