SAN MATEO, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ — On June 23, a jury fo…

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 23, a jury found that the crash of an MD-369 helicopter minutes after take off on March 20, 2000, was caused by a faulty overhaul by Standard Aero, Inc., a large Canadian firm. In October 1999, the helicopter belonging to Fred and Audrey Young, owners of a small helicopter flying service, A&P Helicopters in Yuba City, California, gave the aircraft to Standard Aero to overhaul the helicopter's turbine module. A short time later, Young delivered the aircraft to Platinum Aviation, based in Reno, for refurbishment of the aircraft's interior and airframe. Platinum Aviation also performed the FAA required annual inspection. On the day of the crash, Young was piloting the helicopter from Reno back to his home base in Yuba City. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, oil pressure was lost and the motor seized. The helicopter crashed into a tree, hit the ground and rolled over, destroying the craft worth $561,000 and causing significant personal injuries to Mr. Young resulting in $500,000 worth of medical bills and lost earnings and $1.6 million in pain and suffering. According to Mike Danko, lead attorney in this case, a team of experienced investigators determined that the cause of the engine failure was attributed to defendant Standard Aero when one of its mechanics did not properly install a bearing retaining nut, which became loose during engine operation, causing the engine to seize. The case, SACV 03-481 JVS (SHx) was tried in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The San Mateo-based law firm of O'Reilly, Collins & Danko represented the plaintiff in this action. Plaintiff claimed there was both negligence and breach of warranty during the engine overhaul. The jury found Standard Aero 100% liable for the accident and exonerated the pilot and Platinum Aviation. O'Reilly, Collins & Danko, based in San Mateo, specializes in representing plaintiffs in personal injury, product liability, aviation and business torts. The firm has won many multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts on behalf of its clients.

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ — On June 23, a jury fo…

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