Jury Awards $116 Million in NYC Helicopter Crash

A jury awarded $116 million to the family of Trevor Cadigan, one of five victims of a 2018 helicopter crash in the East River, marking the largest wrongful death verdict for a single individual in New York state history. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the crash was caused by an improvised safety harness that snagged on a fuel shutoff switch, leading to the engine failure. Primary liability was assigned to FlyNYON, which operated the tour, and Liberty Helicopters, which owned the aircraft, while Dart Aerospace was also found partially responsible for a malfunctioning flotation device. Cadigan and the other passengers, unable to escape their harnesses, drowned when the helicopter sank rapidly. Family attorney Gary C. Robb criticized the companies for creating a 'death trap' and exploiting regulatory loopholes to sidestep safety requirements. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in tourist operations.