There was a small plane crash in San Bernardino, California on April 13, 2024. The plane, a twin-engine Gulfstream AC95, crashed in the mountains north of Devil’s Canyon. Witnesses heard the plane sputter prior to the crash. One person was killed as a result. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Witnesses hearing a twin-engine plane sputtering before crashing points to several potential causes, one of the most likely being engine failure. In twin-engine aircraft, engine failure can dramatically affect the plane’s ability to maintain altitude and airspeed, particularly if the failure occurs in one engine. This imbalance creates aerodynamic challenges, making the aircraft difficult to control. Although twin-engine planes are designed to fly with one engine, the failure of one can still lead to catastrophic outcomes if not managed correctly. Factors leading to engine failure might include fuel contamination, mechanical failure, or inadequate maintenance.
Another possible cause related to the sputtering sound could be issues with the fuel system. If the aircraft was not receiving an adequate supply of fuel or if the fuel was contaminated, the engines may not perform efficiently or could fail entirely. Contaminated fuel can lead to engine misfires, reduced power output, and eventual engine stoppage. Ensuring clean, uncontaminated fuel and a properly functioning fuel delivery system is critical for the safe operation of any aircraft. Regular maintenance checks can identify potential issues with fuel filters, pumps, and tanks before they become critical.
There have been a number of recent plane crashes in 2024. A Daher TBM 700 crashed in Truckee, California on March 30, 2024. A Piper PA-24 crashed into the water 2,000 feet from the runway at Quonset State Airport in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island on March 30, 2024. A Beech A36 plane crashed in Cleveland, Ohio on April 6, 2024. A Piper PA-32 crashed in Claxton, Tennessee on April 12, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.