Hiser v. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Opinion

IKOLA, J.

In this wrongful death action arising from a helicopter crash, the jury awarded the widow of the pilot $8,676,696 against the manufacturer of the helicopter. Defendant manufacturer asserts the causes of action for strict products liability and negligence are barred as a matter of law by an 18-year federal statute of repose, the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA). Because breach of written warranty is an exception to GARA’s statute of repose, defendant also contends the breach of warranty cause of action cannot be sustained as a matter of California law.…