Gerhard v. Bell Helicopter Textron

ORDER

DEVITT, District Judge.

Introduction

This diversity action arising out of a helicopter crash is before the court upon defendant Bell Helicopter Textron’s (“Bell Helicopter”) motion for summary judgment. For the reasons set forth below, the court grants defendant’s motion.

Background

Plaintiff Robert Gerhard (“Gerhard”) was employed as a helicopter pilot by Claire Flying Service, an agricultural spraying business. On June 16, 1986, a helicopter piloted by Gerhard crashed and burned during a spraying operation. Ger-hard sustained serious burn injuries in the post-crash fire. Plaintiffs filed…