Suit Follows Power Line Collision

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An Aspen, Colorado, man is suing the pilot and passenger in an L-39 that hit power lines over a highway in 2015, saying he gripped the steering wheel of his car so tightly he’s had chronic pain in his hands ever since. Stephen Centofanti also claims the noise from the low-flying jet trainer as it powered out of De Beque Canyon, near Grand Junction, has caused permanent ringing in his ears. The aircraft, flown by Brian Evans, tore through the canyon at 250 knots at about 100 feet AGL and hit several large power lines, which fell on cars on the interstate highway below. In the rear seat was Raymond Davoudi, who is also named in the suit, along with various businesses associated with the Czech trainer.

Despite damage to the wing, vertical stabilizer and nose cone, Evans was able to land safely in Grand Junction. The NTSB did not directly investigate the incident but Evans wrote a report in which he reportedly said he didn’t see the power lines. The NTSB noted the lines were marked on VFR charts and said the probable cause was the “pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and subsequent failure to remain clear of power line wires while maneuvering at low altitude.” Evans is a former Marine Corps pilot who says on his LinkedIn profile that he was a “contract tactical pilot” at the time of the accident.

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