Lange v. Nelson-Ryan Flight Service, Inc.

This is an appeal from an order granting defendant's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. The action is to recover damages for death of plaintiff's decedent in a plane crash. The issues are whether there is adequate evidence for a finding of negligence and for holding defendant responsible if there was negligence.

Plaintiff's decedent, Wesley M. Lange, was a flyer holding a commercial pilot's license with an instructor rating, but was employed in a nonflying job. He came to defendant's place of business to rent an aircraft. Defendant rented him an aircraft but, before permitting…