HOUSTON – In February, a delivery aircraft crashed into Trinity Bay, killing everyone aboard.
Representing the estate of Sean Archuleta, Leidy Archuleta filed suit against Amazon and Atlas Air on May 20 in federal court.
In May 2016, Amazon and Atlas entered into agreements to operate up to 20 Boeing 767-300 aircraft to delivery cargo throughout the U.S.
According to the suit, the aircraft reached an airspeed of 430 knots as it plummeted to the ground and crashed into Trinity Bay. The aircraft broke apart and there were no survivors.
“During this rapid dive, Sean Archuleta was thrown about and feared for his life, suffering terror, fright, shock, multiple impacts and multiple injuries before the final impact and death,” the suit states. “As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendants, Sean Archuleta was killed and experienced, fright, terror, fear of his impending death, multiple impacts to his body, multiple injuries, pain, and ultimately death.
“The Plaintiff makes the following claims for damages.”
The suit accuses the defendants of breaching their duty by failing to provide reasonable safety measures to protect their passengers and operate and land the aircraft in a safe manner.
An Atlas Air spokesperson submitted the following comment: “Atlas is deeply saddened by the tragic accident of Flight 3591 that claimed the lives of three pilots.
The safety of our pilots and passengers is always our top priority and we are devastated by this loss. We are focused on providing care and support to the pilots’ families, and working with the NTSB as they lead the investigation into the cause of this accident.
This aircraft was owned by Atlas, and operated by Atlas on behalf of our customer, Amazon.”
The plaintiff is also alleging gross negligence and seeks exemplary damages.
She is represented by Houston attorney Eric Rhine.
Filed in the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division – case No. 3:19-cv-00170.