The family of a Canadian pilot killed when her Cessna Caravan crashed in downtown Winnipeg last year is claiming $25 million in damages from Cessna and Goodrich. The suit filed on behalf of the family of Nancy Chase-Allen by the Nolan Law Group, of Chicago, alleges Cessna is misrepresenting the ability of the Caravan to safely fly in icing conditions. “The Cessna Caravan is presently being marketed as a safe and secure aircraft for winter operations, a contention disputed by Nolan Law Group,” the law firm said in a news release. Operation of the Caravan in icing conditions attracted attention and produced action from the FAA earlier this year. We were unable to reach Cessna on the weekend but the company does not normally comment on pending litigation. Chase-Allen took off from Winnipeg International Airport early on the morning of Oct. 6, 2005, for Thunder Bay, Ont., and almost immediately asked for clearance back to the airport because the aircraft was icing up. It crashed on railway tracks near the city’s downtown and Chase-Allen was the only casualty. The Nolan Group is also representing the families of those involved in four other icing-related Caravan accidents in the U.S.
Caravan Crash Prompts Suit
Key Takeaways:
- The family of Canadian pilot Nancy Chase-Allen is suing Cessna and Goodrich for $25 million after her Cessna Caravan crashed in Winnipeg in October 2005.
- The lawsuit alleges Cessna misrepresented the Caravan's ability to safely fly in icing conditions, which led to the crash shortly after takeoff.
- The Nolan Law Group, representing Chase-Allen's family, is also involved in four other icing-related Caravan accident lawsuits, noting prior FAA action concerning the aircraft's operation in such conditions.
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