U.S. Solicitor Settles for $2.02 Million in SDM Ground Collision

The United States has successfully settled for $2,020,000 in damages from various parties following an aircraft collision that occurred on May 30, 2020, at Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego.

This legal resolution marks the end of a significant legal battle that started in 2023, involving the U.S. Department of the Navy, which claimed extensive damages due to negligence and breach of restrictive covenants.

The incident involved two aircraft: a parked MV-22 Osprey, owned by the United States Marine Corps, and a taxiing De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter, owned by Kapowsin Air Sports but leased and operated by Tac Air Ops, LLC, and Tac Air California, Inc. The collision led to the Osprey being permanently removed from service, representing a substantial loss not only in terms of equipment but also operational readiness for the Navy.

The lawsuit named multiple defendants, including Christopher Sanders, the City of San Diego, and several aviation companies like Brown Field Aviation Ventures, Inc., and Lancair Corporation. These entities were accused of various negligent acts that contributed to the accident, from oversight failures to inadequate safety measures at the municipal airport.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Cile Glover-Rogers managed the case, culminating in a settlement agreement reached on April 15, 2024, which preemptively dismissed the case with prejudice, preventing any further legal actions on this matter. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath noted the settlement as an essential step towards acknowledging and rectifying the errors that led to this regrettable incident. McGrath emphasized that resolving the case swiftly was paramount to uphold the interests of the Navy and maintain the integrity of its operations.

This settlement reportedly does not only cover financial reparations but also sets a precedent for handling similar incidents involving military assets and civilian enterprises, reinforcing the need for rigorous adherence to aviation safety standards and regulatory compliance.

FMI: justice.gov