The fear of flying is considered one of the most common fears experienced. While this fear might stem from their fear of heights or the fear of small spaces, it is most often due to a person’s fear that the airplane will crash.
Although plane crashes are statistically rare, making it more likely to be struck by lightning or attacked by a shark; however, aviation accidents or near accidents are recorded in Alaska each year.
Aviation accidents
While there has been a sharp decline in aviation accidents since the 1980s, the past five years have seen roughly 14 fatal aviation accidents a year. Because of the severity of a plane crash and the size of a crash site in comparison with motor vehicle crashes, preventing these accidents is paramount. And the best way to prevent an aviation accident is to understand the common causes.
The most common cause of a plane accident is pilot error. This accounts for roughly half of all airplane accidents. This could be due to their lack of experience, poor training, fatigue and even intoxication. Other causes include air traffic control errors, weather conditions and mechanical failures.
Civil actions and remedies
Understanding the cause of an aviation accident can help injured survivors and loved ones of deceased passengers take legal action. A civil action, such as a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit, could help establish liability and calculate losses and damages suffered.
Aviation accidents are rare, but when they occur, they can turn into a very complex matter. As such, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights and options when addressing the harms suffered in a plane accident.