Klein v. Klein. On December 23, 2007, Michael Klein loaded his 13-year old daughter Talia Klein and her 12-year old girlfriend Francesca Lewis in the back of a Panamanian registered Cessna 172 for a short flight to a friend’s ranch near 11,400’ Volcan Baru in western Panama. The aircraft piloted by 21-year old Edwin Lasso never arrived. Fifty-two hours later Ms. Lewis was rescued from the side of the volcano at 8,600 ft. The other three were killed on impact. Plaintiff mother and plaintiff survivor claimed aircraft was illegal to charter and the pilot was, therefore, an employee of Klein. All agreed pilot was negligent. Verdict for the defense.
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