JOHN J. SMITH AND BOB LAWSON V. T.W. SMITH CORPORATION AND HELICOPTER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Date: June 13, 2001

RESULT: $ 1,074,498 against T. W. Smith only.

STATE: Maryland

FACTS: Plaintiff Smith was a police observer on a Schweizer police helicopter which was patrolling Baltimore City. Plaintiff Lawson was the helicopter pilot. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the engine failed and the helicopter crashed to the ground, landing on its right side. The aircraft was leased from Defendant HTS, which had subcontracted engine overhaul work on the helicopter to Defendant T. W. Smith.

Plaintiff alleged that Defendant T. W. Smith did not overhaul the engine in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and Defendant HTS had breached the maintenance contract.

Defendant HTS contended that it was not licensed to perform overhauls and was entitled to rely on the work of T. W. Smith, an FAA certified overhaul facility. Defendant T. W. Smith admitted liability.