A New Mexico resident has filed a lawsuit seeking over $50,000 in damages after suffering severe injuries during a turbulent flight. The complaint was filed by William Coker in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County, Florida, on September 18, 2024, against Air Gato Enterprises, Inc., and Mango Aviation Parts, LLC.
According to the court documents, William Coker was working as a flight paramedic for Air Ambulance Worldwide, LLC when he boarded a Learjet 35A aircraft operated by Air Gato and owned by Mango Aviation on July 12, 2023. Shortly after takeoff from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, the aircraft experienced an autopilot malfunction that led to a runaway trim condition. This malfunction caused the plane to pitch its nose up uncontrollably instead of leveling off at approximately 12,000 feet. The pilots failed to respond appropriately to this emergency situation, resulting in sudden and rapid changes in altitude that threw Coker and other passengers around the cabin.
Coker alleges that both defendants had a duty to ensure the aircraft was properly maintained and safe for flight. He claims that their failure to fulfill these duties resulted in his severe injuries. "Defendants’ breach of these duties," states the complaint, "give rise to Plaintiff's injuries and the present claims." The plaintiff contends that Air Gato did not adequately train its pilots or conduct necessary pre-flight inspections and maintenance checks on the aircraft’s autopilot system. Similarly, Mango Aviation is accused of failing to maintain and inspect the aircraft properly.
The complaint further details how Coker feared for his life during the incident as he believed the aircraft was about to crash. Eventually, the pilots managed to regain control of the plane after declaring an emergency and dumping fuel before landing back at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.
Coker is seeking compensation for past and future pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings and economic losses, fear of imminent death, and other legally available damages. He has demanded a jury trial for this case.
Representing William Coker are attorneys Robert F. Spohrer from Spohrer & Dodd P.L., based in Jacksonville, Florida; Brian J. Alexander; and Vincent C. Lesch from Kreindler & Kreindler LLP in New York City. The case is being presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number: 24-004213-CI.