A high-stakes legal battle has erupted over a catastrophic jet accident, as Haedo Air, LLC has filed a lawsuit against Honda Aircraft Company, LLC. The complaint was lodged in the Harris County District Court on August 30, 2024, accusing Honda Aircraft Company of negligence and product liability.
The case centers around a February 17, 2023 incident involving a HondaJet HA-420 aircraft owned by Haedo Air. The jet veered off the runway while landing at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas. Haedo Air claims that the accident was caused by inherent design flaws in the HondaJet, which made it particularly vulnerable to crosswind conditions during landing. According to the plaintiff, these flaws include a braking system that fails to engage properly and an inadequate steering system that leaves pilots without control during critical moments.
Haedo Air's petition outlines several key accusations against Honda Aircraft Company. Firstly, they argue that the HondaJet's design is fundamentally flawed due to its susceptibility to runway excursions in crosswind conditions. The plaintiff highlights that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a "crosswind component limitation" of 20 knots on the aircraft, indicating that it should not be landed if crosswinds exceed this threshold. However, Haedo Air contends that even within this limit, the jet remains dangerously unstable.
The lawsuit also alleges that Honda Aircraft Company failed to incorporate necessary safety upgrades into earlier models of the HondaJet. These upgrades include advanced steering systems and over-the-wing ground spoilers designed to enhance stability during landings. Haedo Air asserts that their aircraft lacked these critical features because it conformed to an older design model.
Moreover, Haedo Air accuses Honda Aircraft Company of neglecting to address known issues with the jet's performance in crosswind conditions despite being aware of multiple incidents involving runway excursions since the aircraft's release in 2015. The plaintiff points out that there have been at least 25 such incidents, underscoring what they describe as an "abysmal operational history."
In addition to seeking monetary relief exceeding $4 million for damages including penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and attorney’s fees; Haedo Air is demanding changes from Honda Aircraft Company to prevent future accidents. They are calling for modifications to both the physical design and software logic of the jet’s braking and steering systems.
Representing Haedo Air is attorney Jeremy J. Cook from Hull & Cook P.C.
The case is presided over by Judge Tianni Williams under Case ID: 2024-58541.