Settlement Reached in U.S. Navy MH-53E Helicopter Crash

Kreindler attorneys Francis G. Fleming and Michael R. Sherwin, in conjunction with attorney James H. Furman of Byrd Davis & Furman, Austin, Texas, announce the recent settlement of four wrongful death claims related to the crash of a U.S. Navy MH-53E helicopter on July 16, 2003, in Sigonella, Italy.

The helicopter, built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and powered by three General Electric Company engines, was completely destroyed when an in-flight fire developed in its number 2 engine compartment. All four naval aircrew members were subsequently killed.

A suit by Kreindler & Kreindler on behalf of the deceased military servicemen against Sikorsky, its parent United Technologies Corporation and General Electric alleged that the helicopter crashed due to dangerous design defects and insufficient operational instructions and warnings. The details of the settlement remain confidential and the technical details of the defective design are the subject of a protective order.

Kreindler specializes in military aircraft accidents which often involve very complex factual matters and legal defenses, such as the military contractor defense, Boyle v. UTC, 487 U.S. 500 (1988).

For almost sixty years, Kreindler & Kreindler has successfully represented the interests of our military service members killed in the line of duty. Mr. Fleming is a former U.S. Marine Corps aviator who flew CH-53A and CH-53D helicopters in combat in Vietnam; Mr. Furman is a former U.S. Army aviator with a distinguished combat record in Vietnam; Mr. Sherwin is a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer who served in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq).