Heath v. Swift Wings, Inc.
North Carolina Court of Appeals
252 S.E.2d 526 (1979)
- Written by Michael Beverly, JD
Facts
Fred Heath was the pilot of a plane when it crashed immediately after takeoff. Fred, his wife, Jonna, his son, Karl, and a family friend were all killed in the crash. Richard Heath (plaintiff), administrator of the estates of Jonna and Karl brought a negligence suit against (1) Swift Wings, the corporate owner of the plane, (2) the four shareholders of Swift Wings, including Fred, and (3) the executor of Fred’s estate (defendants). The trial court instructed the jury that negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care that an ordinary pilot having Fred’s training would have. The jury found that Fred was not negligent, in favor of the defendants. Richard appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Morris, C.J.)
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