AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 587
On November 12, 2001, American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into a neighborhood in Belle Harbor, New York shortly after take off from John F. Kennedy International Airport destined for the Dominican Republic. The crash was the second worst aviation disaster in U.S. history, killing 260 on board and five people on the ground. Nolan Law Group represents a large number of families and is following the high-profile investigation amid reports from pilots about a history of problems with the rudder system of the accident aircraft, an Airbus A-300-600 and the use of composite materials in the structure of the plane.

CIRCUIT CITY CORPORATE JET CRASH
On February 16, 2005, a Cessna Citation V jet owned by Circuit City Stores crashed on approach to Pueblo Colorado for a scheduled refueling stop.  All eight people aboard the jet were fatally injured; including the two pilots employed by Martinair, four employees of Circuit City, and two employees of consultants for Circuit City.  Nolan Law Group represents the families of Circuit City employees David Coffman and Aaron Iskowitz. Aircraft icing was a significant factor in the cause of the crash. 

CESSNA CARAVAN ICING CASES
Nolan Law Group is prosecuting cases against Cessna Aircraft Company from five (5) separate accidents involving operation of the Cessna 208B airplane in icing conditions:

The lawsuits charge that Cessna designed and manufactured unreasonably dangerous aircraft for flight into icing conditions. Further allegations include that tests and data submitted by Cessna for certification of the aircraft for operation in icing conditions were incomplete and faulty.  The design of the Cessna Caravan is currently being reviewed by each of the FAA and NTSB, and safety recommendations regarding this aircraft remain on the NTSB’s “Most Wanted” list. 

UNITED EXPRESS FLIGHT 6798
On February 10, 2001, a Beechcraft 1900D operated by Great Lakes Aviation under an agreement with United Airlines crashed on landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport when the pilots neglected to lower the landing gear.  The failure occurred due to improper checklist procedure of the pilots coupled with inoperative warning systems resulting from the poor mechanical condition of the airplane.  Nolan Law Group represents 7 members of the Harlem Wizards basketball show team who were passengers injured in the accident.

FLASH AIRLINES FLIGHT 604
On January 3, 2004, a group of French tourists at the end of their holiday trip to an Egyptian resort boarded a 737 airplane bound for Paris. The plane, manufactured by Chicago-based Boeing, was operated by Flash Airlines under a lease from a California company.

After becoming airborne, the plane climbed to four thousand feet. The co-pilot then performed the routine task of engaging the autopilot. To his surprise and that of the pilot, the airplane began rolling over to the right. The crew immediately turned off the autopilot, but the plane continued rolling to the right. According to the head of the government crash investigation, the pilot responded calmly and appropriately to the emergency, but was unable to regain control of the airplane. The airplane crashed into the Red Sea killing all one hundred and forty-eight (148) people on board.

Having extensive experience in litigation arising from prior 737 crashes in 1991, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002 accounting for over 450 deaths, Nolan Law Group has been retained to represent several families of victims of this crash. While the official investigation is ongoing, early signs point to an autopilot induced control system malfunction.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
On September 11, 2001, terrorists compromised our aviation security system and hijacked four United States commercial airliners. Nolan Law Group, represents many who lost loved one's in these terrorist acts, both on the planes and in the buildings. The firm is both managing claims for compensation through the Victim's Compensation Fund and representing those pursuing legal action against the airlines and other parties whose errors or omissions led to the hijackings.

EMERY AIRLINES
On February 16, 2000, a DC-8 cargo aircraft crashed shortly after take-off near Rancho Cordova, CA.  Three crewmembers perished in this accident because the goods on their plane were improperly loaded.  Pressure placed on the airline by our firm during the investigation of this crash has aided the Federal Aviation Administration in the discovery of more than 100 safety violations.  As a result, Emery Airlines grounded all 37 planes in its fleet on August 13, 2001.  Investigation and discovery in our case continues.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHT SQ006
On October 31, 2000, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ006 crashed and burned on the runway while taking off from Taipei, Taiwan for Los Angeles.  The aircraft attempted to lift off on a runway undergoing repairs, striking construction equipment and causing 83 fatalities among the 179 passengers and crewmembers on the aircraft.  Our firm represents a large number of survivors and families who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

AIR PHILIPPINES FLIGHT 541
The April 19, 2000, crash of Air Philippines Flight 541 near Davao was the worst air disaster in Philippine history, claiming 131 lives.  Nolan Law Group, on behalf of many families, filed lawsuits in the Circuit Court of Cook County against an Illinois-based company that leased the aircraft to Air Philippines. Our attorneys were triumphant when the defendant argued it would be more appropriate to try the cases in the Philippines. This victory will allow the families to have a better chance at just compensation for their loss.

EGYPT AIR FLIGHT 990
Shortly after taking off from New York's JFK airport on October 31, 1999, Egypt Air Flight 990 mysteriously crashed and all 217 passengers and crewmembers were killed. Our attorneys and experts are closely following the investigation on what is a very complicated case with conflicting evidence to be considered.

GARUDA INDONESIA AIRWAYS FLIGHT 152
On September 26, 1997, Garuda Indonesia Airways Flight A300 was flying from Jakarta to Medan in Indonesia when it crashed into a mountain. All 234 crewmembers and passengers were killed, including an American couple who purchased their original airline tickets in the U.S. but bought tickets for that flight in Indonesia.  A strict interpretation of international aviation law would prevent surviving family members from having their case heard in the U.S. where compensation for their loss would be more realistic. Our attorneys successfully argued that their travels were part of an overall trip that would ultimately bring them back to the U.S. An Oregon judge agreed and ordered the case be heard in the U.S. The defendant appealed the decision.

SILK AIR FLIGHT MI 185
On December 19, 1997, Silk Air Flight MI 185 crashed en route between Jakarta and Singapore. All 104 crewmembers and passengers were killed. Nolan Law Group vociferously disagrees with the theory that the accident was caused by an intentional act of the pilot.  The firm represents many families that lost loved ones in this crash and is taking an aggressive posture on behalf of those loved ones. A trial date is set for October in Seattle, Washington, settlement discussions continue.

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT / MEIGS FIELD AIRPORT / ILLINOIS
In 1998 a woman was killed in a failed take-off attempt from Meigs Field in Chicago. The Cessna 340A experienced a power interruption during take-off and crashed into Lake Michigan. Three people were able to crawl out of the sinking plane; the fourth, our client’s wife, drowned. Investigation and settlement discussions continue.

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT / AUSTRALIA
In 2000 a chartered Beachcraft KingAir 200 in Australia rose above its assigned altitude. That altitude, along with other possible plane malfunctions, caused the pilot and seven passengers to lose consciousness. In a situation very similar to that which killed golfer Payne Stewart, the plane continued to fly 3,000 miles before crashing in northeast Australia killing everyone on board. Nolan Law Group is representing the families of two of the victims.

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT / LAKE MICHIGAN / ILLINOIS
On December 9, 2001, a Cessna 182RG airplane crashed into Lake Michigan killing four people.  The plane was rented for a one-day round trip excursion.  The NTSB refused to salvage the plane citing lack of funding and mandate and so the investigation was stymied.  In a collaborative effort, our firm spearheaded an effort to salvage the plane and began the process of passing legislation to ensure no family would be left wondering why.