Air Canada Flight 878
On May 7, 2012, Thomson, Rogers issued a $20 million class action against Air Canada on behalf of the 95 passengers of AC 878 en route from Toronto to Zurich on January 13, 2011.
During the flight, passengers were subjected to violent forces as the aircraft was suddenly put into a steep dive. Many passengers were catapulted out of their seats striking the roof and interior of the cabin.
Following the incident, an Air Canada spokesperson stated on January 14, 2011 that the incident was caused by unexpected turbulence. However, on April 16, 2012, the Transport Safety Board of Canada issued a Report identifying the true cause for this terrifying episode as the deliberate actions of a confused pilot who was waking from an extended sleep.
At no time prior to the Report being made public were passengers provided any explanation for the terrifying episode other than the suggestion of turbulence. In fact, Air Canada entered into purported settlements with passengers for modest compensation without explaining what they knew to be the true cause for the terrifying episode.
The Class Action claim alleges that Air Canada covered up the true cause for the terrifying episode and claims punitive damages to punish their conduct.
- Air Canada Class Action Statement of Claim
(May 7, 2012)
- Report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada
(Released April 16, 2012)
- CBC Story - Jan 14, 2011 wherein Air Canada claims incident caused by turbulence
Contact Us for More Information
Please contact Darcy Merkur or Stephen Birman at Thomson, Rogers by calling 416-868-3100 or 1-888-223-0448 or fill out the consultation request form to the right.
Media Reports
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada
TSB Releases Report into January 2011 Pitch Excursion of an Air Canada Boeing 767 over the North Atlantic
April 16, 2012
- CBC News
Tired pilot caused Air Canada mid-flight Dive
April 16, 2012
- Globe and Mail
Groggy Air Canada pilot, unbuckled seatbelts caused injuries in jet dive: report
April 16, 2012
- The National Post
Air Canada pilot fatigue to blame for dipping incident that left 16 injured
April 17, 2012
- CNN
Pilot sends plane into drive after mistaking Venus for oncoming plane
April 17, 2012
- Reuters
Sleepy Air Canada pilot thought Venus was a plane
April 17, 2012
- 680 News
Air Canada sued for $20 million after groggy pilot sends jet plunging
May 7, 2012
- CBC News
Air Canada sued for $20M over jet plunge
May 7, 2012
Videos
CTV Toronto News Report: Air Canada faces $20M lawsuit for sudden plunge
May 8, 2012
Passenger video of flight 878
