Webster Vicknair MacLeodrepresented a widower for the death of her husband after a tragic plane crash. On November 6, 2012, Pilot Brian Quinn took off from the Wichita airport, piloting a 1991 Cessna Caravan turbojet which was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine, loaded with Federal Express cargo, heading for Garden City, Kansas.
Shortly after leaving the Wichita airport, the engine failed and quit working altogether, due to the failure and separation of a compressor turbine blade. When the turbine blade failed, it flew out of position, severing an oil line and/or the oil cooler, which caused oil to immediately spray all over the windshield, thereby depriving the pilot of vision out of the window.
Despite having no vision out the windshield of the plane and despite that the engine had completely failed, and could not make it back to the Wichita airport for a landing, Quinn made a perfect blind emergency landing in a nearby wheat field. After Quinn landed the plane but before it came to a full stop, the plane collided into a row of trees which Quinn could not see due to the oil on the windshield, and Quinn was killed.
There were several parties in this lawsuit and all but Federal Express either settled or were let out of the case. On the eve of trial, Federal Express settled with Webster Vicknair MacLeodand Mr. Quinn’s family for a confidential settlement amount. Cause number DC-13-13215; Gay Ann Quinn, on behalf of herself and as Administrator/Special Administrator of the estate of Brian Quinn, Deceased; v. Federal Express Corporation, Et. Al.; In the 134th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas