The family of Czech billionaire Petr Kellner has filed a lawsuit in the United States following a fatal plane crash in Alaska that claimed his life and the lives of four others. The lawsuit alleges that the pilot of the helicopter, which was owned by Kellner, was negligent and failed to properly assess the weather conditions before taking off.
The crash occurred on March 27, 2021, near Knik Glacier in Alaska. Kellner, who was the founder of the PPF Group, a financial and investment company, was on a heli-skiing trip with three other guests and the pilot. The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all five people on board.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Alaska Superior Court, names the pilot, Zachary Russell, as well as the helicopter’s owner, Soloy Helicopters, as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that Russell failed to properly assess the weather conditions before taking off and that Soloy Helicopters was negligent in its hiring and training of Russell.
The lawsuit also alleges that the helicopter was not equipped with certain safety features, such as a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) and a flight data recorder. These features are not required by law for helicopters operating in Alaska, but the lawsuit argues that they could have prevented the crash.
The family is seeking unspecified damages for wrongful death and negligence. In a statement, a spokesperson for the family said, “The loss of Petr Kellner has been devastating for his family and friends. We believe this lawsuit is necessary to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the cause of the crash. A preliminary report released by the NTSB in April stated that weather conditions at the time of the crash were “consistent with deteriorating visibility due to snow.” The final report is expected to be released later this year.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of proper safety measures and training in the aviation industry. While accidents can happen, it is crucial that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent them. The tragic loss of Petr Kellner and the other passengers serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in aviation and the devastating consequences that can occur when it is not prioritized.
