Aircraft Repair Station Exonerated in Unanimous Verdict

Terre Haute IN – It took a jury two hours to determine that a family-owned business was not responsible for an agriculture aircraft accident. The verdict for defendant Turbines Inc. was unanimous.

The plaintiff, Williams AG Service Inc., claimed Turbines, Inc. improperly installed its engine conversion kit leading to an engine failure on takeoff and filed claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty and negligence seeking more than $455,000 in damages. On behalf of the defendant, Rose successfully proved the kit had been installed correctly, that plaintiff had modified the aircraft shortly before the accident which was nearly a year after Turbines Inc. completed the install. The jury also agreed that the engine failure was wholly unrelated to Turbines’ kit or installation. The case was tried in the Superior Court of California, County of Butte.

“Aviation cases are always challenging – they involve complex and sophisticated machines in a heavily regulated industry where mistakes can have catastrophic consequences,” says Rose. “My job is to educate the jury, and the Court, so that they can focus on the facts, put aside the mystery and any potential fears of flight, and return a verdict based on science and the evidence, not emotion. In this case, the jury followed the science and evidence, concluding that Turbines had done nothing to contribute to the accident.”

“Bryan’s knowledge of the facts and his presentation to the jury were exceptional,” says Turbines, Inc. President Peg Mills. His personal commitment to understanding our business and its products and services is what sets him apart in my mind.”

Rose is a private pilot who represents aviation-focused businesses, including original equipment manufacturers, component manufacturers, operators and Part 145 repair stations, like Turbines, Inc., in all manners of litigation across the country. Based in Terre Haute, Ind., Turbines Inc. provides a variety of services to agriculture, charter and corporate aircraft, including PT6 engine repair and overhaul, hot section inspections, prop strikes, and unscheduled inspections.

About Turbines Inc.

Turbines Inc was started in 1981 by Jim Mills in Terre Haute, IN. He saw a need in the turbine ag world for a good Turbine shop. The business was based on knowledgeable people, fast turn times, and fair prices.

Turbines Inc has grown over the years, but its values remain the same. 80% of the employees are U.S. military veterans, and many have worked at Turbines Inc. for 25+ years.

Turbines Inc. serves agricultural, corporate and charter aircraft. They have been approved by the FAA for several Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) including Turbine conversions for the Ag-Cat, Brave and Dromader.

Turbines Inc. is a Part 145 maintenance facility specializing in the overhaul/repair of Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines.

Turbines Inc is one of the few shops that has expertise with older but still popular PT6A-20 engine. Turbines Inc is a privately owned, family business.