News Summary
A federal jury trial is scheduled to begin soon to evaluate the liability of Executive Helijet Aviation in a wrongful death lawsuit following a plane crash that claimed the lives of two experienced pilots. The plaintiffs argue that negligence in aircraft maintenance led to the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. As both parties prepare for this significant legal battle, experts anticipate the case will highlight potential safety issues in aviation maintenance practices.
Myrtle Beach – A federal jury trial is set to commence on March 2, 2026, to determine liability in a wrongful death lawsuit against an aviation company in connection with a fatal plane crash that occurred on September 14, 2022. The case has been brought forward by the estates of Terry Druffel and Barrie McMurtrie, who both lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The lawsuit, filed in February 2025, places the blame on Executive Helijet Aviation, the company responsible for maintenance on the involved aircraft. The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $75,000, claiming wrongful death and negligence due to the company’s alleged failure in properly servicing the plane.
According to a report from the National Transportation Safety Bureau, the crash was attributed to a mechanic’s failure to install a vital gasket on the vacuum pump. This negligence is believed to have led to a catastrophic loss of engine power just ten minutes after takeoff, forcing the single-engine Piper P28R aircraft to crash approximately eight miles north of Myrtle Beach, in a wooded area near Conway, South Carolina.
Details of the Incident
Both victims were residents of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and were experienced pilots, as highlighted in their obituaries. The Piper aircraft had recently received maintenance from Executive Helijet Aviation, which is a crucial point in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that the aircraft was not adequately prepared for flight, leading to the fatal incident.
The specific details of the crash indicate that following takeoff, the aircraft experienced significant mechanical failure resulting from the missed gasket installation. Consequently, the pilot could not maintain control, resulting in a crash that took the lives of both Druffel and McMurtrie.
Legal Proceedings
As the trial approaches, the estate of each victim has made claims against Executive Helijet, asserting that the aviation company failed to uphold safety standards and was negligent in its maintenance procedures. In response, Executive Helijet has denied all allegations of liability as related to the crash, setting the stage for a legal battle in federal court.
Prior to the trial date, both parties have been preparing for what is anticipated to be a complex legal examination of the events leading up to the crash, including potential testimonies from aviation experts, mechanics, and safety regulators. The trial will seek to clarify the responsibility of the aviation company and examine if their actions constituted gross negligence or failure to adhere to industry standards.
Background Context
Incidents involving aviation accidents often lead to significant legal scrutiny, especially when lives are lost. The wrongful death suit not only seeks compensation for the victims’ estates but also aims to address systemic issues within aviation maintenance practices that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. The legal outcomes from this case may prompt further investigations into the practices of aviation companies and lead to potential regulatory changes aimed at enhancing pilot and passenger safety.
The upcoming trial represents a critical moment for the families of the victims, who are seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash. As the federal jury prepares to hear the case, experts in aviation law and safety will closely watch how the facts are weighed and interpreted in the courtroom.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Wikipedia: Aviation Accidents and Incidents
- WCNC News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach aviation crash
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: aviation negligence law
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Safety
- WMBF News
- Google News: Grand Strand airport news
