Boyle v. United Technologies Corp.

David Boyle drowned after the Marine helicopter he was flying crashed in the Atlantic Ocean. Boyle’s father, Delbert Boyle, on behalf of himself, Boyle’s mother and three sisters, sued the Sikorsky Division of United Technologies Corporation (hereinafter “Sikorsky”), the manufacturer of the helicopter. Boyle alleged negligence *414and breach of warranty in the design of the co-pilot’s escape hatch and the rework of the helicopter’s control system.

The jury found for plaintiffs. Sikorsky moved for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, arguing that the military contractor defense shielded it from…