The document discusses the role of media in aviation accident litigation. It provides the example of TWA Flight 800 where initial media coverage focused on the possibility of a missile bringing down the plane, despite the official NTSB investigation concluding it was caused by an explosion in the center fuel tank from ignited fumes. The document emphasizes the importance of controlling media exposure by establishing risk management approaches and preparing spokespeople in advance for potential interviews following an accident. It also discusses using media sources for investigative purposes to confirm information, determine sources, and develop or destroy theories of what occurred.
1. AVIATION LAW . Media and Aviation Accident Litigation B RINKMEIER L AW Alan J. Brinkmeier, Esq.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Initial Media Information …can lead to recommendations about overall loss exposure. Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 August 2005, 09:00 GMT 10:00 UK A passenger plane has crashed in Peru's Amazon jungle, with at least 40 of the 100 people on board known to have died. The Tans Boeing 737-200 was on an internal flight from the capital, Lima, to the city of Pucallpa when it made an emergency landing during a storm. [more] [Internal flight may not give rise to claims for damages in the United States.]
8. Media Pictures Posted on the Web ….used to develop defense facts. CNN June 5, 1996 Web posted at: 10:05 a.m. EDT ValuJet Flight 592 “The fire probably started from one of two sources: electrical components or more than 140 volatile oxygen generators in the forward cargo hold. Investigators have found about 18 of the canisters, many of them heavily burned.” ValuJet Flight 592