Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Families of passengers on downed Chicago chopper 'voluntarily discontinue' lawsuit

By Michael Tutton (CP) – 4 hours ago

The issue of the aircraft's ability to operate without lubricating oil for the gearbox was a key allegation in the 113-page statement of complaint.

Chicago aviation lawyer argued the pilots believed the aircraft met U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations that certified the aircraft could operate for 30 minutes after losing oil.

They alleged the pilots kept flying the aircraft towards land on that basis, rather than rapidly landing it on the water.