Fatal Andes Mountains Helicopter Crash — Ladd Sanger Secures Pretrial Settlements for Families of Seven Passengers

Ladd Sanger represented the estates of seven passengers killed in the crash of a Bell 412B helicopter in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The aircraft, operated in support of a remote mining operation, departed a high-altitude heliport and proceeded at low altitude through mountainous terrain amid deteriorating weather conditions.

Evidence indicated the helicopter followed a narrow gully in poor visibility before colliding with a mountainside approximately 3,500 feet above sea level. Reports from nearby villagers described severe storm conditions at the time of the crash, and the remote jungle location – combined with high winds – significantly delayed recovery efforts, including the retrieval of the cockpit voice and flight data recorder.

On behalf of the families, Ladd pursued claims arising from the operation of the flight in hazardous weather and terrain. Leveraging his experience in international aviation matters, he secured substantial confidential pretrial settlements for each family.