What's happened
The family of Thai businessman Srivaddhanaprabha, owner of Leicester City, is suing Leonardo at London's High Court for up to £2.15 billion over the 2018 helicopter crash that killed Srivaddhanaprabha and others. Leonardo denies liability, citing no safety concerns with the aircraft model.
What's behind the headline?
The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between the Srivaddhanaprabha family and Leonardo, with the family seeking substantial damages. Leonardo's defense emphasizes that the crash was an isolated incident and that the aircraft model has no safety issues. The dispute also raises questions about corporate liability and aircraft safety standards. The case could set a precedent for future aviation liability claims, especially involving new helicopter models. The 2023 AAIB report's assertion that recovery from tail rotor failure was impossible contrasts with Leonardo's dispute, indicating a potential divergence in safety assessments. The outcome will likely influence manufacturer accountability and legal standards in aviation safety.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the family is claiming up to £2.15 billion in damages, emphasizing the legal battle's scale and the family's assertion of loss. Reuters highlights the core facts of the crash and Leonardo's denial of liability, providing a concise overview. Both sources note the AAIB's 2023 report and Leonardo's dispute of its findings, illustrating differing perspectives on the aircraft's safety and the incident's causes. The Independent's detailed account of the family's legal claims and Leonardo's defense offers insight into the ongoing litigation's complexity, while Reuters underscores the incident's significance and the legal dispute's international implications.
How we got here
Srivaddhanaprabha, founder of King Power and Leicester City owner, died in a helicopter crash outside Leicester's stadium in 2018. An inquest concluded the deaths were accidental. The family has since pursued legal action against Leonardo, manufacturer of the helicopter, claiming damages for loss of earnings and other damages. Leonardo maintains the aircraft was safe and not liable for the crash, which was the first involving the AW169 model.
Go deeper
- What are the key legal arguments from both sides?
- Could this case influence future aircraft safety regulations?
- How has Leonardo responded to the AAIB report?
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