Plane crashes can happen throughout the entire United States. Most Billings, Montana, residents would agree that living near an airport can be dangerous and very risky in the event of an airline accident. If an aircraft crashes into someone's house in the vicinity of an airport, for whatever reason, there is a chance that residents living in near the airport can suffer serious injuries or even death.
Residents of Yellowstone County, Montana, probably know about a recent plane crash in Chicago in which an Aero Commander 500 aircraft pilot was killed. The aircraft crashed into a house that was a few blocks away from Midway International Airport and the house was badly damaged in the crash. However, the house owners, an elderly couple in their 80s, had a miraculous escape. They did not receive any injuries and were brought out of the house safely by police officers.
Reports indicate that the plane hit the house from the front and right side and landed only eight inches away from the couple, who were sleeping in a nearby bedroom. Officials said that the pilot had sought permission for landing on any of the three runways after having engine trouble. While in the process of getting permission from the air traffic tower to return to Midway, the pilot lost control and crashed into the house. According to a report, the pilot was initially headed for the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, but he changed his mind just before takeoff and decided to go to the Ohio State University Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board has started its investigation in order to determine the exact cause of the crash and stated that a preliminary report would be released in a week. NTSB investigators will look into various possible reasons for the crash, ranging from fuel quality to the takeoff weight of the plane. A final report will be issued in nine to 12 months.
A,house owner may be able to claim compensation for property damage caused by an aircraft crash. Because of the complex nature of aviation litigation cases, one may wish to seek the services of an experienced attorney in order to seek the maximum possible compensation.