Accidents involving private aircraft, such as the one where a former TCU football star reportedly fell from a helicopter, are often the result of negligence, according to Michael Lyons, who has represented numerous clients injured or killed in aviation-related tragedies.
Former TCU quarterback Bram Kohlhausen remains in critical condition following an accident where he reportedly fell an estimated 70-80 feet from a helicopter during a recent hunting trip in the Texas Hill Country.
While many have asked how someone could fall from a helicopter while in flight, Lyons says many aircraft accidents can be traced to maintenance failures or improper safety instruction prior to take off.
Under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) all passengers must be properly briefed by the pilot in charge on all available restraints, such as safety belts and shoulder harnesses.
These restraints also must be under routine and frequent inspections for any damage that might compromise safety or proper functionality.
“Falling from any aircraft is unimaginable,” said Lyons. “Although the investigation into this incident is just beginning, from what we’ve seen in other aviation cases, if aircraft owners and operators deviate from established safety protocols, the potential for tragedy is amplified.”
