Hughes 369B Helicopter Crash, San Diego, California
On December 2, 1992, a Hughes 369B Helicopter crashed in San Diego County, California. The helicopter was part of a power-transmission-line-construction and inspection crew. The pilots got too close to the transmission line and struck it.
Mr. Hill partnered with a national aviation firm representing the family of one of the pilots. The claim was based on unsafe working conditions and failure to respond to prior similar incidents. The employer argued it was entitled to immunity under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act, and that it was not negligent.
Mr. Hill was the lead counsel for the family and proved there was no workers’ compensation insurance in effect at the time of the accident, and that the employer and its insurance carrier had falsified records. The negligence claim was resolved with a significant settlement for the family of the pilot.