Airframe Components Found Not Responsible For King Air Damage

Indiana-based aviation repair business Airframe Components has been found not liable for damage to the horizontal stabilizer of a Beechcraft King Air 200 plane as claimed by a medical transport company.

The company was defended by Dallas-based trial law firm Rose Walker LLP, which secured a take-nothing defense verdict for the business that was sued for $1.2 million in damages from jurors in Noble County Circuit Court. The damage was discovered four years after Airframe Components had repaired hail damage to the airplane.

Rose Walker trial lawyer Ben West presented evidence during the four-day trial showing that the plane's tail assembly had passed repeated inspections following repairs Airframe Components had performed in 2010 at the previous owner's request.

UK-based IAS Medical LTD purchased the plane in 2012 and filed the lawsuit in 2016 after an inspection prompted by a service bulletin found problems with tail section rivets. IAS Medical had sought $1.2 million in damages at trial. "Professional reputation is priceless for any business, especially in the aviation industry where there is no room for error," Mr. West said. "It's gratifying to help a hard-working company and dedicated employer maintain its well-deserved professional reputation."

Airframe Components, owned by Williams Airmotive Inc. of Kendallville, Indiana, is an FAA/EASA-approved Certified Repair Station. This was the first lawsuit filed against the family-owned business in its more than 40-year history.

(Source: Rose Walker news release)

FMI: www.rosewalker.com