Private Jet and Charter Plane Accidents in Nevada: Who’s Responsible?
Nevada’s skies are as busy as its casinos. Private jets soar in and out of McCarran International (now Harry Reid International), Reno-Tahoe, and smaller airports serving exclusive resorts and business travelers.
Charter flights offer convenience, luxury, and flexibility. But when a crash or in-flight injury occurs, the aftermath can be catastrophic. Victims and their families often face the same question: “Who’s responsible?”
At Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers, we help clients uncover the truth behind aviation accidents and hold negligent parties accountable under Nevada and federal law.
Why Private and Charter Flights Pose Unique Risks
Unlike large commercial airlines subject to strict FAA oversight and redundant safety systems, private and charter operations vary widely in safety culture and maintenance discipline. Key risk factors include:
- Pilot error and fatigue: Smaller operators may use fewer pilots and longer duty hours, leading to misjudged approaches, poor weather calls, or procedural lapses.
- Maintenance shortcuts: Some charter services outsource or delay maintenance to cut costs, violating Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
- Aging aircraft: Older private jets require meticulous inspection; neglecting corrosion, hydraulics, or pressurization systems can be deadly.
- Weather and terrain: Nevada’s desert winds, high-elevation airports, and mountain turbulence near Lake Tahoe all challenge pilots, especially in smaller jets with less automation.
- Operational pressure: Wealthy clients expect on-demand departures; operators may feel pressured to “get there” despite marginal weather or crew limitations.
When these factors converge, tragedy follows. Determining liability, however, is far more complex than in a typical car or truck accident. You might want to speak with a Las Vegas aviation accident lawyer and discuss the question of fault and liability in your specific case.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Private Plane Crash?
Aviation liability depends on who owned, operated, maintained, or controlled the aircraft. Multiple defendants may share fault.
1. The Charter Company or Operator
Under Nevada negligence law (NRS 41.130), any party whose lack of ordinary care causes injury is liable for resulting damages. If a charter company fails to maintain its aircraft, hires unqualified pilots, or ignores safety regulations, it can be held responsible.
Charter operators governed by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations must meet specific maintenance, pilot training, and operational standards. Violating these standards can establish negligence per se, automatic legal fault for breaking safety laws.
2. The Aircraft Owner
Sometimes, the owner leases the plane to an operator. If that owner knew of mechanical issues or failed to ensure proper inspections, they too can face liability under Nevada’s general negligence rules and FAA “operational control” standards.
3. The Pilot
Pilot negligence (e.g., misjudging altitude, misreading instruments, or ignoring air traffic control) remains the most common cause of private aircraft crashes. Even if the pilot dies in the crash, their estate may still be part of a wrongful death or personal injury action.
4. Maintenance Companies and Mechanics
If an independent maintenance provider performed faulty repairs or used defective parts, that company could be sued for negligent maintenance or product liability.
5. Manufacturers
Under Nevada’s strict product liability doctrine, manufacturers and component suppliers can be held liable for defective design or manufacturing, even without proof of negligence. This applies to engines, avionics, landing gear, and other critical systems.
How Nevada and Federal Law Intersect
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates flight operations, state courts hear most personal injury and wrongful death claims. Victims can bring civil suits under Nevada law to recover for negligence, product liability, or wrongful death (see NRS 41.085).
Nevada follows modified comparative negligence (NRS 41.141), so you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50 percent at fault. This rule occasionally matters in ground-handling or mid-air incident cases involving multiple parties.
Speak With a Las Vegas Aviation Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a private jet or charter plane accident in Nevada, contact Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate your claim, identify every liable party, and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve. Call at 702-450-5000 to discuss your case now.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/NRs/NRS-041.html
