Aviation accidents, whether they involve small private planes, helicopters, or commercial aircraft, are rare but ultimately devastating. When they do occur, the impact on families is profound, both emotionally and legally. In a close-knit community like Bonham, where neighbors often know the names of the pilots flying overhead, a crash doesn’t just affect one family, but it ripples through the entire town. 

Over the past 40 years, David K. Wilson has helped families in Bonham and North Texas find answers, closure, and justice after unthinkable losses. He understands that when an aviation accident happens, loved ones are left in the dark, not only grieving but trying to understand how it could have happened and what comes next. 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, we guide families through the complex landscape of aviation law and FAA regulations, allowing you to focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one and beginning the long journey of healing. 

Why Aviation Accidents Are So Complex 

Aviation accidents are governed by a mix of federal regulations, state law, and multiple investigative bodies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These cases often involve: 

• Federal and state jurisdiction overlaps 
• Complex technical and engineering data 
• FAA compliance issues 
• Aircraft maintenance and manufacturing records 
• Pilot error, mechanical failure, or air traffic control mistakes 

Unlike typical car accidents, aviation crash investigations are slow, technical, and tightly regulated, which can leave victims' families waiting for answers. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to start protecting your rights. 

What Role Does the FAA Play After a Crash? 

After any aviation accident in the U.S., the FAA steps in to conduct a regulatory investigation. Their job is to determine whether any federal aviation laws or regulations were violated, whether by the pilot, air traffic control, airline, or maintenance crew. 

However, it's essential to understand that the FAA is not there to represent the victim's interests. The FAA is focused on safety enforcement and systemic review, not personal accountability or compensation. That means while they may determine what happened, they don’t help victims seek justice or financial recovery. That’s where we step in. 

How We Help You Navigate FAA Regulations 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, we collaborate with aviation experts and investigators to interpret FAA findings, identify liability, and pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families. 

Here’s what we do: 

• Investigate the cause of the crash beyond just FAA reports 
• Identify all liable parties, from pilots and operators to manufacturers and maintenance crews 
• Review FAA compliance, licensing, inspection records, and maintenance logs 
• Work with aviation experts to reconstruct events and uncover negligence 
• File claims against private individuals, companies, or government entities, depending on the situation 

We make sure your family’s story isn’t lost in a sea of technical paperwork or closed-door investigations. You deserve to be heard, and the people responsible for this tragedy should be held accountable. 

Common Causes of Aviation Accidents   

While Bonham doesn’t have a major commercial airport, our area does have private aircraft traffic, crop dusters, flight schools, and emergency response helicopters. These types of aircraft are often involved in local aviation accidents, and the causes can include: 

• Pilot error due to inexperience, fatigue, or weather 
• Mechanical failure or improper maintenance 
• Defective aircraft parts or design flaws 
• Air traffic control communication errors 
• Violation of FAA regulations 

Because smaller aircraft and local flights are not subject to the same commercial aviation protocols, they are sometimes less regulated and more prone to oversight or neglect. That makes having us by your side even more critical. 

What You Should Do After an Aviation Accident 

If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident in Bonham or anywhere in North Texas, here’s what you should know: 

1. Get Legal Guidance Immediately 

Do not wait for the FAA or NTSB to finish their report before speaking to a lawyer. The sooner we begin investigating, the better our chances are of preserving key evidence and protecting your rights. 

2. Preserve All Documentation 

Keep any documents related to the incident you may have access to, including photos, flight plans, witness information, maintenance records, or communication logs. We’ll use these to build your case. 

3. Understand Your Rights 

You may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Funeral and burial expenses 
• Medical bills (if the person survived or survived for a time before passing) 
• Loss of financial support 
• Emotional and mental anguish 
• Loss of companionship 
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence 

We will help you understand what applies to your specific situation and guide you through the legal process from start to finish. 

A Trusted Local Attorney Who Stands With You 

David K. Wilson is more than just an attorney. He’s a part of the North Texas community, and he knows what a tragedy like this does to families because he’s stood beside them before. When a plane crashes, people assume it’s just a tragic accident, but sometimes, it’s more than that. It’s negligence, it’s poor maintenance, it’s shortcuts. And when that’s the case, families deserve more than sympathy. David K. Wilson believes they deserve justice. 

You Deserve More Than Answers: You Deserve Justice 

The aftermath of an aviation accident is confusing and overwhelming. The legal landscape is characterized by technical jargon, slow-moving investigations, and government agencies that often fail to prioritize victims. 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, we bring clarity, compassion, and fierce advocacy to every aviation case. We know how to work within the FAA’s framework, and more importantly, we know how to put your family’s needs first. 

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let us carry the legal burden while you focus on healing. If you’ve lost a loved one in an aviation accident or suffered injuries yourself, contact us today. We offer free, confidential consultations, and we’re ready to help you navigate whatever comes next.