Pilot's widow sues over collision

The widow of a pilot killed in a mid-air glider crash has won a partial victory in her compensation fight.

Bernice Curran, of Altrincham, Cheshire, sued the estate of the other dead pilot and his companion and the flying club all three belonged to.

Brian Curran, 48, died in May 1999 when his single seater ASW 20 collided with a twin seater Grob.

Stephen Robertshaw, 40, of Stockport, and Caroline Roberts, 36, of Tideswell Derbyshire were also killed.

All three were experienced members of Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club.

'Contributory negligence'

Mrs Curran sued the estates of Mr Robertshaw and Mrs Roberts, alleging negligence in the flying of the Grob and also sued the club as vicariously liable for the two pilots.

All defendants denied liability and alleged contributory negligence against Mr Curran.

Mr Justice Holland ruled on Monday Mrs Curran had won her case against the estates of Mr Robertshaw and Mrs Roberts, subject to contributory negligence assessed at 40%.

Mr Curran was making the potentially hazardous manoeuvre of a 180-degree turn and had realistic opportunities to see the Grob but made no apparent attempt to avoid.

But neither did the Grob make any attempt to avoid Mr Curran's ASW. He said this failure of both parties was "wholly inexplicable."

The judge said Mr Robertshaw was probably engaged in a trial of a piece of visibility equipment.