Practice area

San Diego Aviation Accident Attorney

Hulburt Law Firm represents people and families after serious and fatal aviation accidents throughout San Diego County. We handle cases involving private planes, helicopters, commercial aircraft, and defective aircraft components.

We act quickly to preserve evidence, examine flight and maintenance records, and work with aviation experts to determine what went wrong and who is responsible. Our attorneys prepare each case to establish accountability and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of a serious injury or the loss of a loved one.

Affected by a serious aviation accident? We can help.

El Cajon and Santee firefighters in gear working at small plane crash site with wreckage in residential area in San Diego.

Aviation Accident Cases We Handle

An aviation accident may involve pilot error, mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or several contributing causes. We investigate beyond the initial explanation to understand what happened and identify the people and companies responsible.

Meet Your Aviation Accident Attorneys

Conor and Leslie Hulburt represent people and families in serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout San Diego. They prepare cases from the beginning with the investigation, expert analysis, and trial strategy necessary to take on manufacturers, insurers, and other defendants.

Conor Hulburt has represented families in fatal aviation cases involving defective aircraft components. In a case arising from a plane crash in Santee, the manufacturer blamed the pilots. Conor worked with aviation and technical experts to establish that a defective engine ignition component caused the aircraft to lose power, securing a substantial recovery for the surviving family.

Leslie Hulburt brings extensive experience handling complex product liability cases through litigation, mediation, arbitration, and trial. Together, Conor and Leslie work to uncover the truth, hold responsible parties accountable, and help families move forward.

Attorneys Conor Hulburt and Leslie Hulburt in business suits standing indoors.

Serious Injury Case Results

Our attorneys have obtained substantial recoveries for people who suffered catastrophic injuries and families who lost loved ones, including in a fatal aviation case involving a defective aircraft component.

$6,075,000

Fatal Aviation Accident

A defective airplane engine ignition component caused a deadly crash in San Diego.

$25,360,000

Fatal Tire Failure

A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash into a tree on the side of a San Diego County highway, killing a beloved husband and father.

$28,163,528

Dangerous Road

Jury verdict against Caltrans for a 13-year-old boy who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after he was struck by a vehicle while using a dangerous crosswalk.

Conor is definitely the kind of attorney you want on your side: smart, focused, and relentless.
Patrick C.
Needing an attorney is daunting and stressful. Make it easier on yourself. Give Conor a call.
John D.
Absolutely wonderful, patient and really puts effort into your case. Conor went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of.
Jasmine C.
I was very happy working with Conor and would recommend him to anyone. With him, you're in good hands.
Liz F.
Compassionate, trustworthy, and fights for justice — Conor is the real deal.
Javier Quiroz
The Hulburt Law Firm represented my family after a tragic fatal roadway incident. Their firm was compassionate and sensitive. We would highly recommend them.
Dianne Terry
Finding Conor was truly a blessing. We are so grateful for his compassion, dedication, and support throughout the entire process.
Deisy Quiroz
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the Hulburt law firm for everything you have done for our family throughout the wrongful death lawsuit. This has been an incredibly difficult time for us, and your professionalism, compassion, and dedication made a meaningful difference every step of the way.
Linda Sheftz
My family is so grateful for the time we had with Hulburt Law. If you’re looking for representation for any sort of accident, I’d bet it all on these two to help you and your families!
Brittany Jameson

How a San Diego Aviation Accident Case Works

01

Free Case Review

We listen to what happened, review the available information, and give you an honest assessment of how we may be able to help.

02

Investigation

We investigate independently rather than relying solely on the NTSB or FAA. Depending on the accident, that may include examining the wreckage and crash site, obtaining maintenance and flight records, reviewing air traffic control recordings and radar data, and interviewing witnesses.

03

Expert Analysis

Aviation cases often require specialized experts to determine why an aircraft went down. We work with aviation, engineering, accident reconstruction, medical, and economic experts as needed to establish what happened and the full extent of the harm caused.

04

Liability and Strategy

We identify everyone who may be responsible, including pilots, aircraft operators and owners, maintenance providers, manufacturers, and government entities. We then determine which state and federal laws apply and develop the strategy for pursuing the case.

05

Demand and Negotiation

Once the evidence and damages are sufficiently developed, we present the case to the responsible parties and their insurers. We account for medical expenses, lost income, future care, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, the losses suffered by surviving family members.

06

Litigation and Trial

If the case cannot be resolved fairly, we are prepared to take it to trial. We use testimony, technical evidence, expert analysis, documents, and visual presentation to explain what happened and prove responsibility to a jury.

Real client stories

Defective Magneto Causes Fatal Santee Plane Crash

The Harm

A small airplane carrying a flight instructor and student crashed into a Santee neighborhood after losing engine power. The aircraft struck two homes before coming down in a residential cul-de-sac, killing both men on board. The flight student left behind a family that depended on him for love, support, and their future together.

The Truth

The manufacturer blamed the pilots. But maintenance records, component evidence, and expert analysis of the wreckage pointed to a different cause: a defective magneto in the aircraft's ignition system.

Conor Hulburt worked with aviation and technical experts to establish that the magneto failure caused the engine to lose power in flight and led to the fatal crash.

Justice

The case resulted in a substantial recovery for the surviving family. The recovery could not replace the life that was lost, but it provided financial security for the family and held the responsible company accountable for the defective component that caused the crash.

If you have lost a loved one or suffered a serious injury in an aviation accident, request a free case review to discuss what happened and your legal options.

California Aviation Accident Law: Investigations, Liability & Deadlines

Aviation accident cases often involve both federal aviation law and California personal injury or wrongful death law. The FAA regulates aircraft operations and safety, while the NTSB investigates serious aviation accidents. Civil liability, however, must be established separately.

The Hulburt Law Difference

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In-Depth Investigations

We dig into the evidence, work with qualified experts, and investigate what happened and why.

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Tech-Forward Approach

We use technology and visual presentation to analyze evidence and explain complex issues clearly.

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Maximum Compensation

We carefully document medical costs, lost income, future care, and the full impact of a serious injury or death.

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Trial Experience

We prepare serious cases for trial from the beginning and have taken on major corporations, insurers, and government entities.

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Genuine Care

We limit the number of cases we accept so Conor and Leslie can stay closely involved with every client.

Aviation Accident FAQs

Serving Clients Across San Diego County

Hulburt Law Firm represents people and families in serious and fatal aviation accident cases throughout San Diego County, including crashes and incidents connected to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, Gillespie Field, Brown Field, and other airports throughout Southern California.

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Request a Free Case Review

Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.

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