Defense & Military
Settlement Reached in 2021 Navy Helicopter Crash Lawsuit
Families of sailors killed in 2021 Navy helicopter crash settle lawsuit over design defects and maintenance issues with Sikorsky Aircraft.
On November 24, 2025, a significant legal development occurred regarding the tragic 2021 crash of a U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter. The families of three sailors who lost their lives in the incident reached a confidential settlement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin company. This agreement resolves a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, bringing a conclusion to the legal battle over allegations of design defects and negligence.
The lawsuit, originally filed in August 2023, centered on the mechanical failure that led to the loss of the aircraft, known by its call sign “Loosefoot 616.” The plaintiffs represented the estates of Petty Officer 2nd Class James Buriak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Burns, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Bailey Tucker. These sailors, along with Lt. Bradley Foster and Lt. Paul Fridley, perished when their helicopter experienced catastrophic vibrations and fell from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln into the Pacific Ocean.
This settlement marks the end of the civil litigation against the helicopter manufacturer for these specific families. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the case has highlighted critical issues regarding military aircraft maintenance protocols, design safety, and the legal frameworks governing accidents at sea. We examine the details of the allegations, the technical findings of the Navy’s investigation, and the broader safety implications for the fleet.
The core of the plaintiffs’ case against Sikorsky Aircraft rested on the assertion that the MH-60S helicopter contained a design flaw within its hydraulic hose assembly. According to court documents, the families argued that the hydraulic damper hoses were positioned too close to the main rotor attachment point. This proximity, they alleged, made the components highly susceptible to damage during routine maintenance operations.
Legal representatives for the families, specifically attorneys from Pilot Law, P.C., contended that the manufacturer failed to warn operators of this vulnerability. The lawsuit claimed that the design allowed for the steel braids inside the hose to be flattened or crushed without leaving visible external signs of damage. Consequently, maintenance crews could not detect the structural compromise through standard visual inspections, creating a latent hazard that could lead to catastrophic failure during flight operations.
The complaint was filed under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), a federal statute from 1920 that governs civil recovery for deaths occurring beyond three nautical miles from the shore of the United States. The plaintiffs sought to hold the manufacturer accountable for what they described as a preventable defect that directly contributed to the fatal sequence of events on August 31, 2021.
The lawsuit argued that the design allowed damage to occur easily and that the steel braids inside the hose could be flattened without being visible during visual inspections.
A command investigation conducted by the U.S. Navy, released in 2022, largely corroborated the technical theories presented by the plaintiffs. The investigation identified the root cause of the crash as the in-flight failure of a main rotor damper hose. This failure resulted in a total loss of damping for the main rotor system. Upon landing on the flight deck, the aircraft immediately entered a state of violent “ground resonance”, severe lateral vibrations that caused the rotor blades to strike the deck and the aircraft to roll over into the sea.
The Navy’s inquiry pinpointed the likely mechanism of damage to the use of a specific maintenance tool known as a “spindle pry bar.” Investigators determined that if this tool was used incorrectly or without sufficient clearance, it could inadvertently kink or crush the damper hose. Because the internal damage was not visible to the naked eye, the compromised hose remained in service until it failed under the stress of operations. Following these findings, the Navy took immediate remedial action to prevent a recurrence. In late 2021, an “Interim Support Equipment Change” was issued, directing the modification of the spindle pry bar. A “hard stop” was added to the tool to physically prevent it from contacting the damper hose. Furthermore, a “Rapid Action Change” ordered the fleet-wide inspection and replacement of damper hoses. A 2022 memo signed by Vice Admiral Steve Koehler formally acknowledged that these modifications were necessary to prevent damage, validating the concerns regarding the interface between the maintenance tools and the aircraft’s design.
The resolution of this case draws attention to the legal complexities facing military families seeking redress for accidents at sea. Because the crash occurred approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of San Diego, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Historically, DOHSA limits recovery strictly to “pecuniary loss,” which refers to the financial support the deceased would have provided to their dependents. It generally excludes damages for the families’ pain and suffering or the pre-death pain and suffering of the victims.
This legal limitation has been a subject of legislative debate. The “Fairness for Fallen Sailors Act,” introduced in the 2025-2026 Congress, aims to amend DOHSA to allow for non-pecuniary damages in non-commercial aviation accidents. While the bill had passed the House as of April 2025, it was still navigating the Senate at the time of this settlement. The existence of such legislation highlights the hurdles families face in securing what they view as comprehensive justice under current maritime law.
With the settlement now finalized, the civil litigation against Sikorsky regarding the “Loosefoot 616” crash is concluded for these plaintiffs. The case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of integrating human factors into aircraft design and the necessity of rigorous maintenance protocols. The modifications implemented by the Navy following the crash remain in effect, serving to protect current and future crews operating the MH-60S Sea Hawk.
Question: Who were the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Sikorsky? Question: What was the technical cause of the crash? Question: What is the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)?
Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Regarding Fatal 2021 Navy Helicopter Crash
Allegations of Design Flaws and Negligence
Investigation Findings and Technical Cause
Legal Context and Future Implications
FAQ
Answer: The lawsuit was filed by the families of Petty Officer 2nd Class James Buriak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Burns, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Bailey Tucker.
Answer: A U.S. Navy investigation determined the crash was caused by the failure of a main rotor damper hose, likely damaged during maintenance by a spindle pry bar, which led to severe vibrations upon landing.
Answer: DOHSA is a 1920 federal law that governs wrongful death claims occurring more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores, typically limiting recovery to financial (pecuniary) losses rather than pain and suffering.
Sources
Photo Credit: US Navy MC Seaman Marco Villasana
Defense & Military
Indonesia Orders 12 Pilatus PC-24 Jets for Air Force Modernization
Indonesia signs contract for 12 Pilatus PC-24 jets and LOI for 24 PC-21 trainers to enhance Air Force training and transport capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Pilatus Aircraft.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has officially selected the Pilatus PC-24 to modernize the Indonesian Air Force’s transport pilot training, air transport, and liaison capabilities. According to a recent press release from Pilatus Aircraft, a firm contract for 12 PC-24 “Super Versatile Jets” has been signed. The agreement was facilitated by PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, an authorized defense contractor acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.
In addition to the jet acquisition, the parties simultaneously signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the supply of 24 Pilatus PC-21 advanced turboprop trainers. This parallel agreement signals a comprehensive overhaul of the Indonesian Air Force’s training pipeline, providing a tiered approach to preparing military aviators for complex modern missions.
For a nation comprising an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, logistical reach and operational flexibility are paramount. The Pilatus press release notes that the PC-24’s unique ability to operate from short, unpaved runways was a decisive factor in the Ministry of Defense’s selection, ensuring greater accessibility to Indonesia’s most remote regions.
The contract for the 12 PC-24 aircraft includes a comprehensive support package. According to Pilatus, the deal encompasses ground support equipment, specialized tools, spare parts, pilot training, and ongoing technical support directly from the manufacturer’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. The agreement also includes options for the procurement of additional aircraft in the future.
The PC-24 is uniquely positioned for government and military-aircraft applications. The manufacturer highlights that the aircraft is certified for single-pilot operation and features a standard pallet-sized cargo door. Crucially, it is approved for use on unpaved, dirt, and grass runways. These design elements allow the aircraft to rapidly transition between instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot training, VIP transport, and remote liaison duties.
Operating across thousands of islands presents unique logistical hurdles for the Indonesian military, as many remote outposts rely on short or poorly maintained airstrips. The rough-field capability of the PC-24 directly addresses this challenge, expanding the operational footprint of the Air Force without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades.
“We appreciate the trust placed in Pilatus by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This program marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, and our priority is to support Indonesia in putting the fleet into service smoothly.”, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus
The simultaneous LOI for 24 PC-21 turboprop trainers highlights a strategic shift in how Indonesia prepares its military pilots. The PC-21 package will include ground-based training equipment, spare parts, and technical support. Industry research indicates that combining high-performance turboprops with light jets mirrors the tiered training architectures currently utilized by NATO and other advanced Asia-Pacific air forces. Defense analysts note that introducing the PC-24 into the training fleet allows student pilots to experience jet performance, multi-engine operations, and complex avionics earlier in their careers, all while maintaining lower operational costs compared to traditional frontline military jets.
“The selection by the Indonesian Air Force emphasizes the growing interest of government operators in our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. We remain focused on supplying solutions to facilitate various missions ranging from training to transport.”, Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus
The Pilatus acquisition is part of a much larger, multi-layered modernization effort within the Indonesian military. Supplementary industry research reveals that Indonesia has been aggressively upgrading its rotary, heavy transport, and combat fleets. In September 2024, the country ordered four Airbus H145 helicopters for military training and light search-and-rescue. Furthermore, Indonesian crews are currently training to operate the Airbus A400M Atlas heavy transport aircraft. In February 2026, Indonesia also signed LOIs for Leonardo M-346 Master trainer jets and Russian-made MiG-29s to establish an “aggressor squadron” for advanced combat wargames.
The intermediary for the Pilatus contract, PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, is emerging as a highly active player in the region’s defense procurement. According to industry reports, the company is a subsidiary of UAE-based E-System Solution FZ. Beyond the Pilatus agreement, the contractor was also involved in the recent Leonardo and MiG-29 LOIs. In late 2025, the company acquired a significant interest in TRUVELO Specialised Manufacturing, a South African arms manufacturer, and its CEO recently announced plans to purchase 14 MD light helicopters to develop a hybrid manned-unmanned aviation ecosystem.
We view the Indonesian Ministry of Defense’s selection of the PC-24 as a strong indicator of a growing global trend toward utilizing versatile, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) business jets for specialized military roles. Indonesia joins a notable list of military operators adopting the PC-24; the French Navy recently leased three units for IFR training, and the Qatar Emiri Air Force currently operates two. By leveraging the PC-24’s unpaved runway certification, Indonesia is effectively bridging the gap between a traditional VIP transport jet and a rugged tactical airlifter, maximizing the utility of its defense budget while addressing the specific geographic realities of its archipelago.
What is the Pilatus PC-24? The Pilatus PC-24 is a light business jet developed in Switzerland, marketed as a “Super Versatile Jet.” It features a standard cargo door and is uniquely certified to operate from short, unpaved, dirt, and grass runways.
How many aircraft is Indonesia acquiring? The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has signed a firm contract for 12 PC-24 jets, with options for more. Additionally, they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 24 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers.
Why did Indonesia choose the PC-24? According to Pilatus, the aircraft’s ability to take off and land on short, unpaved runways was a decisive factor, as it allows the Indonesian Air Force to access remote islands across the 17,000-island nation for transport, training, and liaison missions.
Introduction
Modernizing Indonesia’s Air Capabilities
The Geographic Imperative
A Layered Approach to Pilot Training
Broader Defense Procurement Context
The Role of PT E-System Solutions Indonesia
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sources
Photo Credit: Pilatus
Defense & Military
USAF Deploys F-35A Lightning II to Misawa Air Base Japan
The U.S. Air Force permanently stations F-35A Lightning II jets at Misawa Air Base, enhancing the 13th Fighter Squadron’s capabilities in Japan.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Forces has officially begun its transition to fifth-generation airpower at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. On March 28, 2026, the first F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron touched down at the installation, marking a significant milestone in the Department of the Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts.
According to the official press release, the arrival of these advanced tactical aircraft represents the permanent stationing of the F-35A in the region. The deployment is designed to reinforce the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and to sustain peace through strength across the Indo-Pacific theater.
The transition follows months of extensive preparation by airmen across the 35th Fighter Wing. The Air Force noted that these preparations included formal Training, infrastructure upgrades, and logistical coordination to ensure the squadron can generate and sustain combat-ready aircraft immediately upon arrival.
The 13th Fighter Squadron, known historically for its “Wild Weasel” mission, specializing in the suppression of enemy air defenses, is transitioning from the legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A. The U.S. Air Force release states that the F-35 excels at operating and surviving in advanced threat environments, bringing next-generation stealth and fully integrated Avionics to the fight.
“The F-35 was tailor made to be a weasel platform,” said Lt. Col. John Widmer, 13th Fighter Squadron commander, in the official release. “Where legacy platforms performed the Wild Weasel mission with bolted-on sensors or weapons, the F-35 was built from the ground up as a sensor platform with the sensor fusion and quarterback capability we bring to the fight.”
Widmer further emphasized in the release that the stealth capability and advanced sensor package allow pilots to manage the entire spectrum of enemy threats, providing a distinct tactical advantage over adversaries.
Misawa Air Base’s forward position makes it a critical hub for maintaining regional stability. The permanent stationing of U.S. F-35s in northern Japan is expected to multiply the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
According to the Air Force statement, the transition increases overall fighter capability, deepens interoperability with allied forces, and enhances deterrence across the military’s largest area of responsibility. “Bringing the F-35 to Misawa underscores our long-standing commitment to Japan and the region,” stated U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “It strengthens our ability to respond quickly and operate seamlessly with our Japanese partners.”
We view the permanent deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs to Misawa Air Base as a highlight of a broader strategic shift by the U.S. military to position its most advanced assets directly in the Indo-Pacific. By replacing legacy F-16s with fifth-generation stealth fighters, the U.S. Air Force is significantly upgrading its capabilities in a region characterized by increasingly sophisticated anti-access/area denial networks. The emphasis on the F-35’s “sensor fusion” capabilities suggests that these aircraft will not only serve as strike platforms but also as critical data nodes, sharing battlefield intelligence with Japanese and other allied forces in real-time.
The first F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base on March 28, 2026, according to the U.S. Air Force.
The “Wild Weasel” mission traditionally refers to the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. The 13th Fighter Squadron is upgrading from legacy platforms to the F-35A to execute this mission with advanced stealth and sensor capabilities.
Upgrading the “Wild Weasel” Mission
Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the F-35As arrive at Misawa Air Base?
What is the “Wild Weasel” mission?
Sources
Photo Credit: Department of War
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D Partner on Canadian Interceptor UAV
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D sign a non-binding MOU to develop a Canadian interceptor UAV platform supporting sovereign defense capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Volatus Aerospace Inc.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sentinel R&D Inc. to develop a Canadian-developed interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. According to a company press release, the collaboration aims to support Canada’s sovereign UAV capabilities and align with evolving defense and security requirements.
The agreement brings together Sentinel’s expertise in advanced composite UAV structures and airframe engineering with Volatus’s background in systems integration, autonomy software, and global commercialization. We note that this partnership reflects a broader industry push toward domestic aerospace manufacturing and technological independence.
Under the newly established framework, the two companies will divide responsibilities to leverage their respective strengths. The official press release states that Sentinel is expected to handle the UAV platform engineering, airframe design, and composite manufacturing. Meanwhile, Volatus will take the lead on systems integration, mission systems, autonomy development, testing, and commercialization activities.
The companies also intend to explore opportunities for scalable Canadian production. This aligns with priority capability areas identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which emphasizes the need for sovereign industrial capacity in key defense technology domains.
“Volatus continues to execute on its strategy of combining Canadian manufacturing, autonomy software, and operational capability into an integrated aerospace platform, building an integrated aerospace and defence capability spanning manufacturing, autonomy, and operations,”
said Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Volatus Aerospace, in the press release. Lynch added that the collaboration reinforces the company’s investments in advanced manufacturing initiatives, including its Mirabel aerospace manufacturing facility and the V-Cortex AI autonomy platform.
The non-binding MOU serves as a foundational step for engineering cooperation and potential future commercial agreements between the two Canadian aerospace firms. While the agreement does not create binding purchase obligations, it sets the stage for further technical and commercial discussions.
“Volatus brings strong integration, autonomy, and operational expertise that complements Sentinel’s platform engineering capabilities. We believe this collaboration represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen Canadian unmanned systems innovation and manufacturing capability,”
stated Dr. Katheron Intson, Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel R&D, according to the release. We observe that the partnership between Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D highlights a growing trend among defense and aerospace companies to localize supply chains and manufacturing capabilities. By focusing on a Canadian-developed interceptor UAV platform, the collaboration directly addresses the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The integration of Sentinel’s modular, payload-agnostic fixed-wing drone designs with Volatus’s V-Cortex AI autonomy platform could position the joint effort as a competitive offering in both domestic and allied defense markets. However, as the current MOU is non-binding, the long-term impact will depend on the successful transition from engineering cooperation to formalized commercial production.
According to the press release, the companies intend to work together to advance a Canadian-developed interceptor UAV platform that aligns with evolving defense and security requirements.
Sentinel R&D is expected to provide UAV platform engineering, airframe design, and composite manufacturing expertise. Volatus Aerospace will lead systems integration, mission systems, autonomy development, testing, and commercialization.
No. The press release notes that the Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding and establishes a framework for engineering cooperation, subject to further technical and commercial discussions.
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D Forge Strategic UAV Partnership
Framework for a Sovereign Interceptor UAV
Combining Engineering and Autonomy
Strengthening Domestic Innovation
Leadership Perspectives
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Volatus and Sentinel collaboration?
What will each company contribute to the partnership?
Is the agreement between Volatus and Sentinel legally binding?
Sources
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
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