Snowmobile Hits Helicopter, Rider Sues Army

Blackhawk HelicopterPhoto byPublic Use

In 2019, Jeff Smith was riding his snowmobile at Albert Farms airfield in Worthington, Massachusetts, when he struck the tail of a parked Blackhawk helicopter. The crew had flown from Ft. Drum in New York for night maneuvers. The rarely used airfield is also open to snowmobilers.

Smith is suing the Army for $9.5 million dollars and liability, saying they were at fault. Smith was traveling to meet his brother, after cresting a ridge in the dark his headlight reflected off "something" according to Smith, and he struck the tail of the aircraft. He also sued the owner of the airfield and received an undisclosed settlement.

The army found no negligence and said the aircrew had no knowledge they had landed on a snowmobile trail. and claimed Smith was driving his sled more than 65 mph (105 kph) at the time the crash and that he had taken both prescription drugs and drank two beers before his ride.

The government has attempted to dismiss the case several times, arguing that it can’t be sued under the Federal Tort Claims Act since this involves a policy decision. A U.S. District Court judge in Springfield is expected to rule on the lawsuit later this year.

Smith suffered multiple injuries and is currently on disability.