Small Plane Crashes in Ohio & Your Legal Rights | KNR
Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC Hurt in a Car? Call KNR.
800-487-8669
800-487-8669
KNR 20th Anniversary logo
Ohio has seen an increase in small aircraft crashes, underscoring the risks associated with private and recreational aviation. Whether you're seeking answers, accountability, or rightful compensation, our aviation attorneys provide the clarity, compassion, and courtroom experience you need.
Written by
 
KNR Legal
Date posted
 
May 29, 2025
Share
 

Tragedy struck Ohio on May 25, 2025, when two small planes crashed just hours apart. These incidents reflect a troubling trend: private plane accidents and small aircraft crashes are rising across Ohio and the U.S. According to the NTSB, 2025 has already seen dozens of fatal aviation accidents, most involving single-engine or experimental planes.

For families affected, the aftermath is devastating. That’s where we come in. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, one of Ohio’s leading personal injury law firms, we help families navigate the complex legal landscape that follows an aviation accident. Whether you’re seeking answers, accountability, or rightful compensation, our aviation attorneys provide the clarity, compassion, and courtroom experience you need.

If you’ve lost a loved one or were injured in a small plane crash in Ohio, contact us to understand your rights and options.

The Disturbing Uptick of Small Plane Crashes in Ohio

Ohio has seen an increase in small aircraft crashes, underscoring the risks associated with private and recreational aviation. In late May 2025, two separate plane crashes occurred just hours apart. In Ashtabula County, a Zenith 701—an experimental, single-engine aircraft—struck a tree and crashed near State Route 307, killing one person and critically injuring another. That same day in Riley Township, a solo pilot lost control while taking off from Gibbs Aviation and crashed in a nearby field. Fortunately, that pilot was uninjured, but the back-to-back events shook communities across northern Ohio.

These are only the latest in a series of tragic aviation incidents throughout the state. From Ashland County to Tuscarawas, Ohio has experienced multiple fatal and near-fatal private plane crashes in recent months. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are ongoing, but initial findings often point to mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions. These recurring crashes are a stark reminder that aviation safety standards, especially for non-commercial flights, can vary widely and leave passengers vulnerable to serious harm.

How Accidents Happen at Smaller Airports

While major airports are closely monitored and staffed with air traffic control, smaller regional and municipal airports lack many of those safeguards. This makes them more prone to accidents, especially involving private pilots, experimental aircraft, or solo flights.

Where Small Plane Crashes Occur in Ohio

  • Hard Landings or Takeoff Failures – At rural airstrips like Riley Township or Portage County, uneven terrain or short runways can cause aircraft to stall or overrun.
  • Pilot Misjudgment or Inexperience – Many regional airports support student pilots or recreational flyers. A single miscalculation on approach or takeoff, especially without an ATC tower, can lead to disaster.
  • Mechanical Failures at Under-Maintained Facilities – Aircraft stored at lesser-regulated hangars may skip inspections or use outdated equipment. This was a suspected factor in the Zenith 701 crash near Germack Airport.
  • Weather-Related Crashes Without Ground Support – Unlike larger hubs, regional airports often lack the infrastructure to alert pilots to sudden weather shifts, creating hazardous flying conditions.
  • Runway Incursions or Obstructions – Wildlife, vehicles, or even farm equipment have caused runway incidents at less-secure rural fields.

Major Commercial Airports in Ohio

These handle commercial airline traffic but may also see private, charter, and general aviation:

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – Cleveland
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – Columbus
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – Hebron (serves southwest Ohio)
  • Akron–Canton Airport (CAK) – Green

Ohio Regional & General Aviation Airports

These serve private pilots, small aircraft, flight schools, and business charters — and are often where small plane accidents occur:

  • Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) – Cleveland
  • Dayton–Wright Brothers Airport (MGY) – Dayton
  • Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ) – Toledo
  • Gibbs Aviation (Private Airstrip) – Sandusky County
  • Germack Airport – Geneva (near crash site of May 2025)
  • Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF) – Richmond Heights
  • Portage County Regional Airport (POV) – Ravenna
  • Ashtabula County Airport (HZY) – Jefferson
  • Wadsworth Municipal Airport (3G3) – Wadsworth
  • Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) – Columbus area, joint-use airport serving general aviation, military, and cargo aircraft. Accidents here may involve private jets, logistics operations, or military flights.

What Causes Small Plane Crashes?

While commercial airline travel is highly regulated and statistically safe, small aircraft and private plane accidents remain alarmingly common. These crashes are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they typically result from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and environmental hazards. Understanding the root causes can help families identify liability and begin the path toward justice.

Pilot Error / Inexperience

Most small plane crashes involve some form of pilot misjudgment, including poor decision-making in bad weather, misreading instrument panels, or failing to follow proper takeoff and landing procedures. This is especially common at non-towered airports like Wadsworth Municipal or Germack Airport, where pilots self-navigate without active ground control. Instructors or flight schools may also bear liability if proper training wasn’t provided.

Mechanical Failure or Improper Maintenance

Planes stored at under-resourced regional airstrips may suffer from infrequent inspections or the use of outdated components. A faulty fuel pump, a corroded engine part, or a disconnected flight control surface can all result in catastrophic failure. Maintenance providers, mechanics, and aircraft owners can be held liable if a crash is linked to poor upkeep or overlooked safety checks.

Defective Aircraft Parts or Design

Experimental planes, like the Zenith 701 involved in the recent Ashtabula County crash, pose unique risks. These are often amateur-built aircraft, and while legal for flight, they may lack the structural integrity or safety features of FAA-certified planes. In such cases, manufacturers or kit designers may be liable under product liability laws if a flawed component or unsafe design contributed to the crash.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Ohio’s rapidly changing weather—fog, high winds, and lake-effect snow—can pose serious risks to small planes. A lack of advanced weather monitoring tools makes pilots more vulnerable at smaller airports like Portage County Regional or Toledo Executive. That decision could constitute negligence if the weather was a known hazard and a flight proceeded without due caution.

Airspace Mismanagement or Runway Incursions

While rare, runway collisions, near-misses, or obstructions (wildlife, vehicles) can occur at unsecured or poorly managed airstrips. Even at complex sites like Rickenbacker International (LCK), which hosts both cargo and military operations, conflicting traffic patterns or breakdowns in communication between air traffic controllers and private pilots can lead to tragic consequences.

Who’s Liable for a Small Aircraft Accident in OH?

Determining liability after a small plane crash involves federal investigations, flight records, maintenance logs, and expert analysis. Unlike car accidents, aviation crashes can involve multiple negligent parties across different industries. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our attorneys work closely with aviation experts, the NTSB, and federal agencies to identify who should be held accountable.

Here are some of the parties that could be held responsible:

  • Pilot or Operator – If the crash resulted from poor judgment, lack of training, or failure to respond to conditions, the pilot—or the business that employed them—may be liable.
  • Aircraft Owner or Maintenance Provider – Negligent inspections, skipped repairs, or poor aircraft upkeep can make owners and mechanics accountable, especially under FAA maintenance standards.
  • Aircraft Manufacturer or Parts Supplier – If a design flaw or defective component caused the crash, the manufacturer or kit builder (common with experimental aircraft) may be liable under strict product liability.
  • Flight School or Aviation Business – Training centers can be at fault if they failed to properly prepare student pilots or neglected aircraft safety for training purposes.
  • Air Traffic Control or Government Entities – In rare cases, miscommunication or system errors by air traffic controllers or federal oversight bodies can lead to government liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Your Legal Rights After a Plane Crash in Ohio

If you or a loved one has been affected by a small plane crash in Ohio, you may be entitled to significant compensation, especially if the accident resulted from negligence, defective equipment, or poor maintenance. Under Ohio law, both personal injury and wrongful death claims are possible, depending on the circumstances.

Ohio Wrongful Death Law for Fatal Plane Crashes

 Under Ohio law, a person’s estate may be able to sue after a fatal plane accident if the decedent’s death was caused by a wrongful act or neglect. A consideration is whether the decedent would have been entitled to sue for personal injuries had they lived. If yes, their loved one would have had a right to recover damages, then the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the person’s death.

Through a wrongful death claim, the estate can seek:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of services to the family
  • Loss of companionship or society to the family
  • Loss of prospective inheritance to the family
  • Mental anguish

Any damages obtained during a lawsuit are for the benefit of the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, and parents.

Personal Injury Lawsuits for Survivors

If you survived a plane crash or were injured as a passenger, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. These claims can provide compensation for emergency medical care, surgical procedures, long-term rehabilitation, and other treatment costs.

Victims may also recover damages for lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any permanent disfigurement or disability resulting from the crash.

Product Liability Claims for Defective Aircraft or Parts

If a crash was caused by a defective aircraft component, such as a faulty engine part, altimeter, or control system, the aircraft or part manufacturer may be held strictly liable under Ohio’s product liability laws. This means you don’t have to prove negligence; it’s enough to show that a dangerous defect existed and directly contributed to the accident.

Aviation Claims in Ohio Have a Statute of Limitations

Under Ohio law, both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to aviation accidents must be filed within two years of the crash. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, no matter how strong the evidence may be.

Given the complexity of aircraft investigations and the involvement of federal agencies like the NTSB and FAA, it’s critical to consult an experienced attorney as early as possible.

What to Do in the Aftermath of a Small Plane Crash

Whether you’ve survived the crash or lost a loved one, early action after a small or private plane crash in Ohio is essential to preserving evidence, proving liability, and recovering full compensation.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Always prioritize medical care, even if injuries appear minor. Aviation accidents often result in internal injuries, burns, or delayed symptoms. A thorough medical evaluation protects your health and creates critical documentation for your legal claim.
  • Document Everything – If you can safely do so, take photos of the crash site, the condition of the aircraft, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Preserve medical records, flight documents, and communications with authorities. Families of deceased victims should retain funeral bills, death certificates, and correspondence from the FAA or NTSB.
  • Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies Alone – After a crash, insurers or aviation companies may contact you with questions or offers. Avoid giving statements, signing documents, or accepting settlements without legal representation. These conversations are often designed to reduce or deny compensation.
  • Contact an Experienced Aviation Accident Attorney – Aviation cases are legally and technically complex. Federal investigations by the FAA and NTSB may take months, and multiple parties could share liability.
  • Report and Preserve the Incident – The crash must be reported to the appropriate agencies, and all evidence should be preserved during the investigative process. KNR assists with this, ensuring critical records, communications, and timelines are protected and filed correctly.

Investigating Small Plane Crashes

Every small plane crash triggers a multi-agency investigation, typically led by the NTSB in coordination with the FAA and local authorities. These investigations are essential for identifying the cause of the crash and determining who may be held responsible.

Investigators examine a range of factors, including flight records, pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance logs, weather conditions, communication with air traffic control, and, when available, data from cockpit voice recorders. In cases involving experimental or privately maintained aircraft, scrutiny often falls on potential design defects or mechanical failures.

While these investigations can take months, families don’t have to wait to begin protecting their legal rights. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we conduct independent investigations alongside federal efforts that involve preserving evidence, consulting aviation experts, and ensuring that no detail is overlooked. This proactive approach strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of identifying all liable parties and recovering full compensation.

To Move Forward After a Plane Crash – Contact KNR

A small plane crash can shatter lives in an instant, leaving families overwhelmed by grief, medical bills, and unanswered questions. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we understand that aviation accident claims are not like other personal injury cases. They require deep legal knowledge, access to aviation experts, and the ability to act quickly while federal investigations are ongoing. With a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable and securing substantial results for our clients, KNR is ready to fight for you.

Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW today for a free, no-risk consultation.