BELLEVILLE — The owners and operators of the Downtown Airport in St. Clair County and others are being sued after a parked aircraft that was allegedly not tied properly, struck and caused damage to other aircraft parked at the airport.
Navajo Associates LLC and Illinois Ideal Electric Inc., filed a complaint May 4 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Flying Four Flying Club Inc., and Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District, doing business as Bi-State Development Agency, alleging property damage.
According to plaintiffs' complaint, Navajo owns a Piper Navajo Model PA-31-325 and Ideal Electric was a "lessor of certain real estate at the Downtown Airport," which included a parking spot for a Brazilian MotorGlider aircraft. They allege that on May 5, 2020, Flying Four Flying Club's aircraft was parked at the Downtown Airport along with Navajo's aircraft. During "adverse weather," the defendant's aircraft "was put into uncontrolled motion" and struck the tail of the Navajo's aircraft as well as the MotorGlider aircraft.
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The plaintiffs claim the defendants failed to "ensure appropriate tie downs" or to properly use the tie downs for the aircraft to prevent motion.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $15,000 and all other proper relief. They are represented by Thomas Hayek of Evans & Dixon LLC in St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 21-L-0412