Interesting point of views (from both sides)
I thought I'd read the NTSB crash report to get more facts.
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001212X19356&ntsbno=SEA99FA105&akey=1
I take it that the witnesses sense of 'time' changed from the time of the accident, and the time of the court case. The lawsuit claims it took 5 minutes to respond after the crash. The NTSB states;
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"Almost immediately after sliding off the taxiway, the aircraft burst into flames. As the fire grew, some of the witnesses tried to pull the pilot out of the aircraft, while at the same time other bystanders attempted to put the fire out with dry chemical fire extinguishers. The limited capacity of the portable fire extinguishers proved insufficient to put out the fire, and because the pilot's leg was jammed in the wreckage, witnesses were unable to pull him free before the heat of the fire became to intense to continue attempts to rescue him.
Within a minute after the aircraft impacted the ground, the volunteer fire truck arrived at the scene. After pulling out the necessary hose and completing the hook-up of their respirator system, which they began while en route, the firefighters applied water on the flaming wreckage.
Within a minute to a minute and a half after their arrival, the fire was extinguished. "
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I'm sure both the NTSB, and lawyers, investigated witnesses (and data) professionally. Just strange that the '5 minute time lapse' was interpeted differently years after the event took place.
Never-the-less, everyone has their own opinion pertaining to the $10MM settlement. But, I'm sure we can agree on the following points...
- Every pilot should obtain extensive 'transition training'.
(before an event occurs requiring it)
Buying an RV does not make one a better pilot, moreso, it challenges the pilot to plan ahead. A price associated to flying F-A-S-T-E-R..
- Never rush a departure... Preflight, run-ups, and control input tests are 'required' prior to defying the laws of gravity. One somple word.. CHECKLISTS..
I personally paid the price to item #2 once (Rushing a departure).
Luckily, no injuries occured however, I learned a valueable lesson.
ALWAYS follow procedures, and never have a 'just another flight' attitude.
Not to get too far off topic here but, the accident 'law of averages' should prompt us to review our aircraft insurance policies.
On another forum, I was following an interesting conversation pertaining to a recent 'business practice' of insurance carriers to omit the Pilot from death claims. Apparently, the terminology of 'aircraft occupants' does not include the pilot in command. (and in some cases, immediate family members of the PIC are prorated at 50%)
Although each one of refuses to believe we will ever become a 'statistic', we should challenge our agents to state exactly what they will pay-out in the event we (or our dependants) need to exercise the policy. Do not accept the policy verbage as-is because when it comes to making a claim, verbage may not be 'financially accepted' as we perceive. Give examples to your agent, ask how the policy would pay. Be prepared!
Have a great day...