Carl Kruppa, Nannette Plett-Kruppa, both from Winton, Died In Watsonville Plane Crash Over Watsonville Municipal Airport
WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (August 22, 2022) – Carl Kruppa, Nannette Plett-Kruppa were identified as two of the people who died in a Watsonville Municipal Airport plane crash.
Santa Cruz County officials are saying that the plane crash took place around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. A single-engine Cessna 152 and a twin-engine Cessna 340 collided over the skies of the Watsonville Municipal Airport.
One or both of the planes were coming in for a landing when the collision occured. Carl Kruppa, Nannette Plett-Kruppa were in the twin-engine Cessna 340.
Their plane hit a hangar after the initial crash. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the Watsonville Municipal Airport in order to help all of the victims.
Sadly, Carl Kruppa, Nannette Plett-Kruppa died at the scene due to their injuries. The pilot of the single-engine Cessna 152 was also killed in the crash.
The FAA and NTSB are continuing to investigate the crash. It may take up to a year for the investigation to conclude.
Liability In Watsonville Plane Crashes
The vast majority of plane crashes occur during take-off and landing. It is by far the most dangerous part of any flight. According to Business Insider, “Boeing research shows that takeoff and landing are statistically more dangerous than any other part of a flight. 49% of all fatal accidents happen during the final descent and landing phases of the average flight, while 14% of all fatal accidents happen during takeoff and initial climb.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to plane crashes.
- Inclement weather
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Fuel shortage
- Pilot error
- Poor instruction from air traffic control
The vast majority of plane crashes that occur are due to pilot error. This could come in many forms. All pilots must obey right-of-way guidelines set forth in FAA FAR 91.113. There are very specific guidelines that must be followed when a pilot is entering or departing from an airport without an air traffic control tower. See, for example, FAA FAR 91.126 and FAA FAR 91.127. Essentially, when a pilot is entering into an airport with no traffic-control tower they must announce their presence. They must also monitor radio traffic as they land or take-off. Younger pilots do not always understand these rules as well as they should. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any plane crash.
- All wreckage from the crash site should be preserved.
- The flight data recorder for all planes involved should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be reviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a plane crash may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. In order to win any civil claim, plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. This will typically require a lot of evidence and skilled legal work.
Investigating A Watsonville Plane Crash
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Carl Kruppa and Nannette Plett-Kruppa. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the FAA. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make this airport safer so that additional tragedies can be prevented.
Do you need more information about a Watsonville Plane Crash? Our team of aviation accident investigators are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
