|
SabreTech sues ValuJet
|
 |
May 13, 1997: 7:57 p.m. ET
Contractor says Flight 592 crash was due to airline's own negligence
|
NEW YORK (CNNfn) - SabreTech Inc., the Florida-based contractor ValuJet Airlines has faulted in the crash of Flight 592 last year, Tuesday sued the airline, claiming existing contracts require the carrier to indemnify it for all damages.
Although the National Transportation Safety Board's final report on the crash has not been released, old oxygen generators loaded into the plane's cargo bay have long been suspected as playing a key role in the crash.
The company is asking a U.S. District Court to interpret contracts between the two firms.
"Both the FAA and SabreTech acknowledged their mistakes long ago," said SabreTech spokesman Kenneth P. Quinn. "It's high time for ValuJet to do the same."
SabreTech said it followed long-standing practices by returning the oxygen generators and other materials to Atlanta-based ValuJet personnel who, after consulting with flight crew, loaded the generators on the flight.
Phoenix-based SabreTech said a service agreement in force at the time of the crash prevented ValuJet from seeking damages or other penalties arising from negligence on the part of ValuJet.
The contractor claims ValuJet:
- Failed to provide proper oversight and guidance for its maintenance, including the lack of any specific oral or written instructions for the discharge and disposal of oxygen generators;
- Failed to provide SabreTech with letters issued by aircraft manufacturers and other warnings on the hazards of oxygen generators and explicit instructions concerning their disposal;
- Failed to properly notify SabreTech personnel that it was not authorized to carry hazardous materials such as the generators.
SabreTech's suit comes on the heels of a third-party complaint filed by ValuJet April 10 that blamed the crash on SabreTech's actions. The complaint was connected to a wrongful death case filed on behalf of a Flight 592 passenger that is now being heard in Georgia state court.
"SabreTech is obviously and unfortunately trying to divert attention away from the lawsuit that ValuJet filed against SabreTech .... This is just legal maneuvering, nothing more, nothing less," said ValuJet spokesman Gregg Kenyon, in response to today's action by SabreTech.
SabreTech is a division of Saberliner Corp. of St. Louis, which is privately held.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
