Snowmobile vs. Black Hawk: $3.3 Million Collision Verdict

Massachusetts snowmobiler wins partial victory in military crash case

In a dramatic legal battle over a nighttime collision between a snowmobiler and a parked Black Hawk helicopter, U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni has ruled that the federal government is mostly responsible for the near-fatal crash. The decision comes with a $3.3 million award for Jeff Smith, a Massachusetts lawyer, marking a significant but bittersweet victory.

Judge Rules 60% Government Fault
Helicopter’s camouflage and dangerous parking at fault

The collision occurred in March 2019 when Smith, navigating a snowmobile trail in the dark, struck the helicopter. According to Mastroianni’s ruling, the government was 60% responsible for the crash, primarily due to the military’s decision to park the camouflaged Black Hawk on an active snowmobile trail. The helicopter was parked in a poorly lit, wooded area in Worthington, Massachusetts, without any warning signs or lighting.

“The court finds the government breached its duty of care in failing to take any steps to protect against the obvious risk of a camouflaged helicopter parked on an active snowmobile trail, in a somewhat wooded area, as darkness set,” Mastroianni wrote.

Smith’s Responsibility Weighed
Snowmobiler’s speed and tinted goggles a factor in the crash

While the judge ruled heavily in favor of Smith, the snowmobiler wasn’t let off the hook completely.

Smith was found to be 40% responsible for the crash due to his speeding, unsafe operation of the snowmobile, and wearing tinted goggles, which hindered his visibility in the dark.

Smith had originally sought $9.5 million to cover medical expenses and lost wages. He sustained severe injuries from the accident, including 12 broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding. Once an active golfer and snowmobiler, the 48-year-old now struggles with basic daily tasks and has been relying on disability assistance.

Helicopter’s Parking Sparks Controversy

Rare training exercise led to dangerous conditions

Smith’s legal team argued that the military’s negligence was central to the crash. The Black Hawk helicopter had flown from Fort Drum, New York, for a night training exercise and landed on a rarely used airfield that snowmobilers frequent. The fact that the 64-foot helicopter was left unattended, unlit, and camouflaged only heightened the risk.

“The decision encourages public safety,” said Smith’s lawyer, Doug Desjardins, following the ruling.

Federal Pushback and Next Steps

The Government has 60 days to respond or appeal

The federal government now faces a decision: pay the $3.3 million awarded to Smith or file an appeal within 60 days. In court, the government argued that the snowmobile trail’s dual purpose as a landing zone for aircraft and a recreational path created confusion. The government also pushed back, saying the Black Hawk crew was unaware they had landed on a snowmobile trail and questioned whether illumination would have prevented the crash.

In its defense, the government highlighted Smith’s speed of over 65 mph and the fact that he had consumed prescription medication and two beers before hitting the trail. However, Judge Mastroianni disagreed with the notion that these factors excused the lack of precautions taken by the military.

A Close Call, A Lifetime of Struggle

The impact of the crash leaves lasting scars

For Jeff Smith, the crash was life-altering. “It was a mess,” he said, recalling the night he set out to meet his brother on the trail. After crashing into the Black Hawk, Smith was airlifted to a trauma center, and his recovery has been a grueling journey.

His brother, Richard Smith, was among the first to find him after the crash. “My heart hit my stomach. I just knew it was him. I went down there, and my father told me he was alive. I didn’t sleep that night. I spent that night on my knees praying.”

While the $3.3 million will help ease the financial burden, the accident continues to cast a long shadow over Smith’s life. His snowmobile days are over, and everyday tasks remain a struggle as he copes with the long-term effects of the crash.

This story was originally reported by The Associated Press (AP)