Though not as commonly used as automobiles, aircraft are a type of motor vehicle that some do use to get from one place to another. Recently, two men who were in a motorized glider were hurt when the vehicle crashed as it attempted to make a landing on an open space in Pennsylvania. As the vehicle descended it apparently clipped at least one tree.
The incident occurred in an area with a lot of trees making it somewhat difficult for the first responders to get to the men. Once the men were removed via ATV from the wreckage in the woods, they were transported to hospitals. The man who was most badly hurt reportedly suffered cuts and broken bones. A helicopter took him to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Fortunately, neither person's injuries were life threatening.
As is the case in any type of motor vehicle accident there are multiple reasons why it could have happened. In addition to pilot error, there could have been something wrong with the machinery.
Anytime negligence on the part of another person or entity is to blame for an injury inducing accident it is possible that a civil lawsuit could be filed. These personal injury lawsuits can result in damages for the injured party that could help cover lost wages and medical bills.
At this point it is not yet clear what caused the incident in this case to occur. If either of the aforementioned reasons is to blame for the glider accident, it is possible that either the passenger or the passenger and pilot could file this kind of lawsuit.
Source: WTAE, "Glider Crash in North Huntingdon Township," Sept. 30, 2012
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