Flight attendant sues Delta for US$75M over upside-down plane crash in Toronto
The crash happened when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft bounced and rolled on landing at the Toronto airport, ending up on its roof. A wing was ripped off and a fire broke out. All 80 passengers and crew survived, although more than 20 people were taken to hospital.
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The lawsuit says Miles was rendered unconscious while hanging upside down from her seatbelt after the plane came to a stop. When she awoke she 'found herself soaked in jet fuel and surrounded by smoke, putting her at grave risk for chemical burns, asphyxiation, and death.'
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The suit says she suffered 'severe and permanent injuries, including … fractured left shoulder/scapula, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, post-concussion syndrome with headaches, dizziness, and other cognitive difficulties, bilateral knee injuries, back injuries, exposure to jet fuel and toxic fumes, and psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.'
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In April, Miles was one of four recipients of the C.B. Lansing Memorial Award, given by the Association of Flight Attendants 'to an AFA member who displays heroism beyond the call of duty in aviation.' The award was established in memory of Clarabelle Lansing, a flight attendant who was killed in 1988 when the flight on which she was working suffered an explosive decompression over Hawaii.
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The organization notes that the award is 'the highest honor a member may bestow upon a fellow member.' It was given to Hollie Gallagher and Rebecca Palazzola, the flight attendants working on the downed aircraft, and to Miles and Alita Parker, 'deadheading Endeavor flying partners who assisted.'
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A preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released in March does not disclose a specific cause for the crash, but it does mention that two additional airline employees who were on the flight as passengers helped evacuate the rear of the cabin.
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Madeline Sinkovich, one of Miles' lawyers, told the Post: 'Our complaint alleges that basic safeguards, training, and evacuation procedures failed — and that corporate decisions put cost and schedule ahead of safety. The case proceeds under the Montreal Convention, which holds carriers liable for passenger injuries arising from onboard accidents. Ms. Miles continues to recover from significant injuries; we respect the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's important work and will pursue full accountability in court.'
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The final report by the Transportation Safety Board is expected next year. According to the CBC, there are at least 16 additional lawsuits that have been filed by passengers related to the incident.
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