Barker sues aviation company
LONDON: Rocker Travis Barker has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aviation company he holds responsible for his near-death plane crash in September.
Barker suffered second and third-degree burns as he escaped the burning wreckage of a LearJet, which failed to clear the runway at a South Carolina airport and crashed. He spent almost a month in hospital burns units recovering.
The drummer’s best friend, Charles Still, and an assistant were killed in the tragedy. Barker and bandmate Adam ‘DJ AM’ Goldstein were the only survivors.
Now, the rock star has filed suit against Clay Lacy Aviation, asking for damages for “pain and suffering, mental anguish, psychological and emotional distress and disfigurement,” personal injury and wrongful death.
And, according to TMZ.com, Barker is also suing Goodyear Tire and Rubber in connection with the plane crash. Federal aviation officials in America have officially blamed a blown tyre for the tragedy.
The suit, filed in LA County Superior Court by Barker and Still’s mother Thelma, alleges there was a “negligent attempt to abort the take-off,” and the pilot’s decision to continue “was a breach of their duty owed to the passengers onboard.” The suit also alleges the now-dead pilot’s decision “was a substantial factor in causing the crash and resultant injuries and deaths.”
Barker also alleges the plane was “defective,” with his lawyers claiming the aircraft’s “landing gear, tires, wheels, brakes, reverse thrust system, squat switches and component parts were not airworthy.”