Fraudulent Aircraft Maintenance Is Not Only Illegal And Unsafe, It Can Lead To Costly Consequences

The whole thing started when a Texas-based pilot, Bryan Farney, purchased a 1977 Cessna 337 from a company named Aviation Enterprise located in Tennessee. Aviation Enterprise was operated by the father and son team of Owen and Chris Bell. This was a model 337G pressurized Cessna that had other modifications to improve its performance and gross weight capabilities. Farney paid $226,000 for the airplane.

However, according to The Tennessean newspaper, it seems that things were not as they were represented. Farney claimed that modifications made to the airplane were not FAA approved. He also claimed there were other factors regarding the aircraft that rendered it unsafe to fly. In his suit against Aviation Enterprise, he sought $450,000 for damages and legal fees.

Chris Bell was not held liable in the court finding, but a judgment against Owen Bell was brought for $1 million. This award was divided as $226,000 in actual damages and $774,000 in punitive damages. Mr. Bell was found to be in willful violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

FMI: www.tennessean.com