Flight MH370: A few clarifications on the notions of “accident”, “missing aircraft”, “liability” and their legal implications

The Malaysian government has officially declared the disappearance of flight MH370 an “accident” under Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention. It was reported that such statement aims at facilitating compensation of the families of victims. In law, it is not unusual to use the same terms with different meanings in different context. Such is the case of the term “accident” as used in accident and incident investigation, and in airline liability. The above Malaysian declaration causes confusion and raises questions.

Judge rejects US law firm’s petitions concerning flight MH 370

The Chicago Tribune has reported that the two petitions filed by the US law firm Ribbeck law against Boeing and Malaysian airlines before the judge of Cook County, Chicago, for preserving evidence concerning flight MH 370 has been rejected as inadmissible. The Judge described the petitions as “improper, baseless motions”.

Flight MH 370: US law firm plans lawsuit against Boeing and Malaysian Airlines

Reuters has reported that US law firm Ribbeck law plans a lawsuit against Malaysian Airlines and Boeing over the accident of flight MH 370. The firm is representing the relatives one of the persons presumed dead. It plans to turn also against component manufacturers and possibly maintenance service providers.

Flight 370 and security deficiencies

The events surrounding Malaysian airlines flight 370 have sparked discussions about security deficiencies of the air travel in general and of the Malaysian aviation authorities in particular.