Corrosion Causes Fatal Crash of Helio Courier in Katmai National Park

Mike Schneider

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 485

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A year ago, a Royal Wolf Lodge Helio Courier went down in Katmai National Park and Preserve. Dead in the crash were the pilot, Bruce Stephens of Wasilla, a fishing guide, Tom Beatty, of Homer, and two clients of the lodge. Greg and Sean Brophy were from Ontario, Canada. Greg Brophy was founder and CEO of Securit, and internationally known company.

The cause of the crash has remained a mystery until recent NTSB tests pointed to corrosion of the massive one inch bolt connecting the wing to the fuselage as the likely cause of the wing failure and resulting crash.

The families of all on board my have product liability claims as a result of the failure. If poor maintenance played a role, the families of the Canadians may have claims. The pilot and guide would be able to assert negligent maintenance claims only if they were independent contractors. Employees of Royal Wolf Lodge won't be able to sue their employer, unless Royal Wolf failed to have worker's compensation coverage.