Liability in a private jet accident claim depends heavily on how the flight was operated. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), on-demand charter operations have historically had higher accident rates than scheduled airlines. In most crashes, multiple parties failed in their duty. And each one can be held accountable.
What Makes Private Jet Accident Claims Different?
Not all private flights are the same in the eyes of the law. A jet’s operations affect how it could be held legally responsible.
| Operation Type | What It Means | Who Often Controls the Flight |
| Part 91 (Private) | An owner or company flying its own aircraft | The owner or corporate flight department |
| Part 135 (Charter) | A jet chartered for hire, like an air taxi | The charter company (certificate holder) |
| Part 91K (Fractional) | Shared ownership, such as a fractional program | The fractional management company |
The safety and maintenance rules an operator must follow are strictest for charter (Part 135) flights and lighter for private (Part 91) flights. That difference matters because it shapes the duties each party owed to passengers. Our guide to the common types of aviation accidents covers how these categories play out in real crashes.
Because so much turns on these details, sorting out the operation type early is critical to any claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Private Jet Crash?
A single crash can involve a dozen companies. Each one hopes you won’t find them. Our job is to uncover every party that failed you.
Parties that may be responsible:
- The pilot or crew for errors, fatigue, or poor weather decisions
- The charter operator, or the company that held the operating certificate
- The aircraft management company, which handles crewing, maintenance, and scheduling
- The owner or lessor for putting an unsafe aircraft into service
- A charter broker, which arranged the flight, but may have used an unqualified operator
- The manufacturer for a defective aircraft, engine, or part
- A maintenance provider for faulty repairs or missed inspections
The charter broker issue is a common trap. Some brokers book flights with operators that cut corners. As a result, passengers rarely know who is actually flying them. Our overview of what an aviation lawyer does explains these layers further.
Does Federal Law Affect Private Jet Accident Claims?
Yes. Federal law affects how a claim is proven. Federal law also determines how long you have to bring one against a manufacturer.
The 18-Year Manufacturer Deadline
Many private jets qualify as “general aviation aircraft.” This means that they seat fewer than 20 people and don’t fly scheduled routes. For these aircraft, the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) sets an 18-year time limit. After 18 years, you generally cannot file claims against the manufacturer.
GARA’s 18-year clock starts when the aircraft was first delivered, not when it crashed. After 18 years, manufacturers are shielded from defect claims, even if their part killed someone. It’s a law designed to protect corporations, but there are exceptions we know how to use.
Exceptions
You may keep a manufacturer’s claim if the maker hid safety information from the FAA. You may also keep the claim if a newer replacement part failed. Claims against operators, crew, and management companies are not covered by GARA. Instead, they follow your state’s normal injury deadlines.
International flights add another layer, since treaty rules can apply to travel between countries. Because these overlaps get complicated fast, this is not a claim to handle alone.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A private jet crash can cause catastrophic injuries or the loss of a loved one. The law allows you to seek compensation for what you have lost. You may be able to receive damages for the following costs:
- Current and future medical care
- Lost income and lost earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs after a fatal crash
Wrongful Death Rules Vary by State
When a crash is fatal, close family members may file a wrongful death claim. Alabama’s wrongful death law is unusual, and not in a good way. Ala. Code § 6-5-410 allows only punitive damages, which punish wrongdoing but don’t compensate families for their actual losses. It’s a gap that leaves grieving families with less than they deserve.
How Deadlines Affect the Filing Process
In the United States, each state sets a filing deadline. For example, in Alabama, you generally have two years under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a claim entirely.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one, our private jet accident attorneys can help you build a claim. Focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Jet Accident Claims
What is a private jet accident claim?
A private jet accident claim is a legal case brought after a serious incident involving a private aircraft. It seeks compensation from those responsible for the accident. Responsible parties may include the pilot, the charter operator, a management company, or the manufacturer.
Who is liable in a private jet accident claim?
Liability depends on the cause and the type of operation. For example, the pilot or crew may be at fault for a human mistake. Or, the jet manufacturer is responsible for a defective part. In most private jet accident claims, there is more than one party at fault.
What is the difference between Part 91 and Part 135 flights?
Part 91 covers private flights, such as an owner or company flying its own aircraft. Part 135 covers charter or on-demand flights offered for hire, like an air taxi. Part 135 operators must follow stricter safety and maintenance rules. This distinction matters because it affects the legal duties each party owed to passengers.
Can I sue a private jet manufacturer?
Sometimes. If a design or manufacturing defect caused the crash, you may sue the maker. But the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) bars most claims after 18 years. The 18 years countdown begins when the aircraft or part is first delivered.
However, there are exceptions to GARA. For example, we’ve built cases alleging that the manufacturer hid safety information from the FAA.
How long do I have to file a private plane crash claim?
The deadline depends on your state. Most states allow one to three years for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Claims against a manufacturer also face the federal 18-year statute of repose under GARA. Filing quickly protects your rights and your evidence.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
Private aviation cases are highly complicated. They involve federal regulations, multiple companies, and highly technical evidence. Our team has the experience and the resources to hold operators, managers, and manufacturers accountable. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-07-15.
