A terrifying collision: Massachusetts man’s life altered after snowmobile crash into military chopper
In an event straight out of a high-octane action movie, a Massachusetts adventurer’s leisurely snowmobile ride turned catastrophic when he collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, leading to a staggering $9.5 million lawsuit against the government. Jeff Smith’s tranquil journey through the snow five years ago in March 2019 came to a near-fatal halt as he crashed into the tail of the stealthily parked military aircraft.
The aftermath of the crash was grave, with Smith suffering life-altering injuries including the loss of function in his left hand, a dozen broken ribs, a punctured lung, and severe internal bleeding. The consequent surgeries and ongoing respiratory issues have drastically impacted his ability to work, pushing him to seek substantial damages from the government for medical expenses and lost earnings.
Smith, now embroiled in a legal battle, recounts the relentless cycle of surgery and recovery that has become his new norm since the accident. His legal team is arguing negligence on the part of the Black Hawk’s crew for choosing to park on a trail frequented by snowmobilers without adequate warning of the potential hazard.
The clash has sparked a debate over the compatibility of military operations with public recreational activities, particularly focusing on the decision to land a camouflaged helicopter on a trail used actively by snowmobilers. Despite the Army’s internal investigation absolving the crew of negligence and suggesting compliance with regulations, Smith’s attorney, Douglas Desjardins, highlights the inherent risks posed by landing a helicopter in such a location.
The government, in its defense, has cited the Federal Tort Claims Act, arguing its immunity from being sued over policy decisions, including the contentious parking spot of the helicopter. Further complicating the case, they allege Smith was speeding at the time of the accident and had alcohol and prescription drugs in his system, factors they believe contributed to the crash.
As the legal proceedings unfold, a US District Court judge is slated to deliver a ruling later in the year, potentially setting a precedent for the interaction between civilian recreational activities and military operations. The saga of Jeff Smith’s snowmobile crash into a Black Hawk helicopter continues to captivate and raise questions about responsibility, safety, and the unforeseen intersections of civilian and military worlds.
