Immediate Response and Evidence Preservation
In aviation accident cases, time is of the essence. Critical evidence can be lost, altered, or destroyed within hours of an accident. At Roselli & McNelis, we understand the urgency of preserving evidence and take immediate action when retained on an aviation case.
Our immediate response includes sending preservation letters to all parties who may possess relevant evidence, including airlines, maintenance providers, aircraft manufacturers, and government agencies. We also work to secure access to the crash site before wreckage is moved or disposed of.
Key evidence we work to preserve includes:
- Aircraft wreckage and components
- Flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders
- Air traffic control communications and radar data
- Weather data and NOTAM (Notices to Air Missions) records
- Surveillance video from airports and surrounding areas
- Maintenance records, logbooks, and work orders
Working with Aviation Experts
Aviation accident litigation requires specialized knowledge that goes far beyond general personal injury practice. Our firm retains and works closely with a network of highly qualified aviation experts who bring decades of hands-on experience to each case.
Richard Roselli is a member of the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association, giving our firm unique insight into aviation operations and a deep network of aviation professionals. This membership reflects our firm's commitment to understanding the technical aspects of aviation, not just the legal ones.
The experts we work with include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists: Experts who recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash
- Aeronautical engineers: Specialists who analyze aircraft design, structural integrity, and component failures
- Metallurgists: Experts who examine metal fatigue, corrosion, and material failures in aircraft components
- Human factors experts: Specialists who evaluate pilot decision-making, training adequacy, and fatigue
- Aviation maintenance experts: Professionals who review maintenance practices and identify maintenance-related failures
Analyzing Flight Data and Maintenance Records
Flight data analysis is one of the most technically demanding aspects of aviation accident investigation. Modern aircraft generate enormous amounts of data that, when properly analyzed, can tell the complete story of what happened in the moments before an accident.
Our team analyzes multiple data sources to reconstruct the accident sequence:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Records hundreds of flight parameters including altitude, airspeed, heading, engine performance, and control surface positions
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Captures crew communications, radio transmissions, and ambient cockpit sounds
- ADS-B data: Satellite-based tracking that provides precise position and altitude information
- Maintenance records: Complete aircraft maintenance history, including scheduled inspections, repairs, and component replacements
We also obtain and review the aircraft's complete maintenance history, looking for patterns of recurring problems, deferred maintenance items, and compliance with airworthiness directives and service bulletins.
Building a Comprehensive Case
The ultimate goal of our investigation is to build an airtight case that clearly establishes liability and the full extent of our client's damages. Aviation accident cases often involve multiple defendants and complex legal theories, requiring a methodical and thorough approach.
Our case-building process involves identifying all potentially liable parties, which may include:
- Aircraft manufacturers: For design or manufacturing defects in the airframe, engines, or components
- Component manufacturers: For defective parts, instruments, or systems
- Maintenance providers: For negligent maintenance, repair, or inspection
- Operators and airlines: For inadequate training, improper procedures, or operational negligence
- Government entities: For air traffic control errors or inadequate airport infrastructure
We synthesize the findings from our experts, the NTSB investigation, FAA records, and our own independent research to develop a comprehensive legal strategy. Every aviation accident case at Roselli & McNelis is prepared with the expectation that it will go to trial, ensuring the strongest possible position whether we negotiate a settlement or present the case to a jury.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your aviation accident case.