Fatal Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Piper Aircraft Crash — Ladd Sanger Secures Confidential Settlement for Pilot’s Family

Ladd Sanger represented the estate of a pilot killed in the crash of a Piper PA-32RT-300T aircraft near Guerrero, Coahuila, Mexico. The flight, en route from Texas for a pre-purchase inspection, ended in tragedy when both pilots were overcome by carbon monoxide exposure traced to a defective heat exchanger. Toxicology reports confirmed elevated carbon monoxide levels, and the aircraft ultimately crashed after fuel exhaustion.

On behalf of the pilot’s adult children, Ladd pursued product liability claims arising from the defective aircraft component. Drawing on his experience as both an aviation attorney and licensed pilot, he developed the technical case linking the mechanical failure to the fatal incapacitation of the crew.

The case resolved in a substantial confidential pretrial settlement for the family.