Comair Sues FAA, Airport in Lexington Accident

Comair Sues FAA, Airport in Lexington Accident

Citing airport construction among many safety factors which contributed to the late-August crash of a Bombardier regional jet at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, Comair filed suit against the Federal Aviation Administration and the owners of the airport in U.S. District Court in Kentucky. Among the contributing factors that were the responsibility of the FAA and airport were “hazardous unsafe and confusing” barriers related to airport construction, Comair said in its suit, adding lighting and signage on the taxiway were “missing or confusing.” It also said that authorities failed to properly oversee the construction project and may have filed to alert pilots. The suit also cited the fact there was only one controller on duty in violation of an FAA mandate. The airport responded by saying it was disappointed in the Comair action. Rather than seek monetary damages, the suit sought a judgement that the FAA and airport share responsibility for the accident, paving the way for Comair to seek contributions after it compensates families. The Delta Connection carrier has also filed a compensatory claim against the United States for its oversight of the FAA.