4 sue over plane
crash off Hilo

The Michigan tourists claim
negligence in the 2000 accident
that killed 1 person

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

Four Michigan residents who were on a sightseeing plane that crashed two years ago off the Hilo coast are suing the tour company, pilot and others for alleged negligence.

Named in the lawsuit were Big Island Air Inc. and its owner, Tom Beard; Piper Aircraft Corp.; and pilot Nicholas Damis.

Alvin and Oretha Taylor, Lori Taylor and Angela Taylor were on board a Piper Navajo Chieftain that had originated from Kailua-Kona on Aug. 25, 2000, and was headed to Hilo when the engine lost power shortly before 5:30 p.m.

According to news reports, the pilot radioed he was going to ditch the plane off Honolii Point, about four miles from the airport. He also told the passengers to prepare for a water landing, put on their life vests and assume the crash position. The plane crashed into the ocean about 200 yards from shore and in 100 feet of water.

The impact tore open the plane's nose, and the cabin began quickly filling with water as the passengers tried to get out from two exits. The plane sank 60 seconds after landing.

Eight people including the pilot survived, but one passenger, Laveta Rose Reynolds, 61, of Oklahoma, died.

The Taylors contend they suffered "serious emotional and physical injuries" and have had to incur emergency, hospital and other medical expenses. They are seeking damages in an amount to be proved at trial.

The crash was among 10 incidents worldwide that prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to request that all owners and tour operators of aircraft with engines similar to the one on the Piper Navajo Chieftain to replace the oil filter gaskets every 50 hours of flying time.

A crash investigator at the time said the gasket may have resulted in an oil leak that caused the plane's right engine to lose power and catch fire before the crash.

Textron and Textron Lycoming, which makes engine components, including gaskets, are also named in the suit.

Keith Hiraoka, attorney for Big Island Air, declined comment, saying he had not yet reviewed the complaint.