In a landmark legal resolution, the victims of a deadly 2018 New York City helicopter crash will finally see justice served. The settlement of $90 million signals a major victory for safety advocates and provides closure for grieving families after a seven-year battle.
At a glance:
• A $90 million settlement has been reached in the 2018 NYC helicopter crash that killed five passengers
• The settlement reduced a previous jury award of $116 million to avoid prolonged appeals
• Trevor Cadigan, 26, and four others died when their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the East River
• The accident occurred when a passenger restraint tether snagged a fuel shut-off switch
• FlyNYON has since implemented numerous safety improvements to prevent similar tragedies
Settlement Brings Closure After Years of Legal Battle
A Manhattan judge has approved a $90 million settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a deadly 2018 helicopter crash in New York City. The settlement concludes a lengthy legal battle that focused on holding responsible parties accountable for the accident that claimed five lives, including 26-year-old Trevor Cadigan.
The relatives of Cadigan agreed to reduce an earlier jury award of $116 million to avoid further appeals and bring the case to a definitive close. The settlement addresses not only financial compensation but also pushes for critical safety reforms in the helicopter tourism industry.
The fatal crash occurred when a passenger restraint tether accidentally snagged a fuel shut-off switch during the sightseeing flight, causing the helicopter to lose power. The pilot managed to escape the sinking aircraft, but all five passengers remained trapped and drowned after the helicopter plunged into the East River.
Safety Improvements Implemented Following Tragedy
FlyNYON, the company that arranged the ill-fated flight, has since implemented substantial safety improvements following intense scrutiny. These improvements include new safety harnesses, a quick-release system for emergency situations, adoption of a different helicopter model, enhanced pilot training, and the hiring of a dedicated safety officer.
“Their primary objective was twofold, and that is, one, to ensure accountability for what happened to Trevor, and also to shine a bright light on dangerous helicopter operator practices and induce them to do a better, safer job,” stated Gary C. Robb, the attorney representing the Cadigan family. The lawsuit’s resolution represents a significant step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded similar “doors-off” helicopter flights immediately following the crash. These flights were later permitted to resume only after implementing improved safety restraints and procedures, demonstrating the regulatory impact of the case.
Industry Changes and Corporate Accountability
Patrick Day, CEO of FlyNYON, addressed the settlement by highlighting the company’s transformation since the accident. “The introspection and self-critical analysis we have undertaken in the last six-and-a-half years have shaped our view of what it means to be an industry leader, and we’re a safer, smarter, and stronger company for it,” Day stated.
The case involved multiple defendants including Liberty Helicopters, the owner of the aircraft, and Dart Aerospace, a manufacturer of flotation devices. The settlement represents a unified resolution that addresses the liability of all parties involved in the tragic incident.
The $90 million settlement stands as one of the largest ever for a helicopter crash in the United States. The resolution brings financial closure to the families while establishing important precedents for safety standards throughout the helicopter tourism industry in New York and beyond.
