Snowmobiler Awarded $3.3 Million for Crashing into Black Hawk Helicopter
A federal judge recently ruled that the government is primarily responsible for a snowmobiler crashing into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in March 2019. Despite acknowledging the snowmobiler’s speeding and tinted goggles as contributing factors to the accident, the 48-year-old man was awarded $3.3 million in damages. This decision highlights the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The Incident:
The snowmobiler, Jeff Smith, had set out on his snowmobile to meet his brother after helping his mother with her computer at their parents’ home. After enjoying dinner and a couple of beers, Smith was riding along a trail when he unexpectedly crashed into the parked Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter, flown by a U.S. Army crew for night training purposes, was camouflaged and not illuminated or marked in any way, posing a significant risk to passing snowmobilers.
U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni criticized the government for failing to take necessary precautions to protect against such obvious risks. Smith’s injuries from the crash were severe, including a dozen broken ribs, a punctured lung, and severe internal bleeding. This life-altering incident has left Smith dependent on federal disability assistance and in need of additional medical procedures to improve his quality of life.
Impact on the Snowmobiler:
Following the crash, Smith was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment and now resides with his parents. The awarded damages of $3.3 million will help cover medical expenses and potentially fund surgery to attach an electronically controlled brace to his left arm. This procedure would significantly enhance Smith’s ability to perform daily activities independently, offering him a chance at a more functional and comfortable life.
Smith expressed his gratitude for the ruling, emphasizing the potential positive impact on his daily life. The financial compensation provides hope for improved mobility and independence, allowing him to regain some semblance of normalcy after the tragic accident. Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and proper safety measures in preventing such accidents from happening in the future.
Government Responsibility and Accountability:
The government now has 60 days to pay the awarded damages to Smith or appeal the decision. Despite the significant sum of $3.3 million, it is a small fraction of the Pentagon’s budget for various projects and initiatives. This case sheds light on the need for better oversight and safety protocols when conducting military training exercises in civilian areas to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
In conclusion, the ruling in favor of the snowmobiler serves as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of civilians in all situations, including military training exercises. The awarded damages will hopefully provide Jeff Smith with the means to improve his quality of life and move forward from the unfortunate accident. It is imperative that lessons are learned from this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
