They'll Receive Millions From C-23 Makers, Modifiers

The families of five Virginia National Guardsmen killed when their C-23 Sherpa went down in rural Georgia south of Macon in 2001 have settled with the manufacturer for millions. Suits filed by the families of the three flight crew members on board have not been settled. They are among 16 federal suits still pending in the case.

The five settlements on Monday involved:

• Staff Sgt. Paul J. Blancato
• Master Sgt. Eric C. Buhlman
• Staff Sgt. Randy V. Johnson
• Staff Sgt. John L. Sincavage
• Maj. Frederick Watkins

They mean that the families will receive $3.75 million from Bombardier, subsidiary Short Brothers, Duncan Aviation of Lincoln, NE, and Rockwell Collins.

Short made the plane in Ireland. Its conversion, facilitated by Duncan, was carried out in West Virginia. The empennage was shortened by six feet and the tail modified.

"These modifications had a substantial effect on the stability of the aircraft, yet the design was never fully tested and the National Guard was never warned of the potentially catastrophic problems," said attorney Bob Spohrer, himself a pilot specializing in aircraft accidents.

Rockwell Collins was sued because of alleged autopilot problems. There were also charges that other avionics were inoperable or poorly designed on board the Sherpa. In all, 18 guardsmen perished when the aircraft went down in heavy weather near Unadilla, GA, on March 3rd, 2001.

FMI: www.virginiaguard.com