Line-Snagged Pilot Sues Seattle Back

Sat., Nov. 27, 1999

A pilot sued by the city of Seattle for snagging his plane in power lines has struck back.

Michael Warren of Central Kitsap is seeking more than $4.5 million in a countersuit filed as a result of the April 1998 incident.

The city sued Warren for $14,810 earlier this year, saying that was the amount needed to undo damage done when Warren’s plane snagged power lines at Boeing Field. The plane dangled by one wheel upside down from the wires for four hours while rescuers worked to free Warren.

In his lawsuit, Warren is seeking reimbursement for $1,568 in medical expenses, $10,650 in lost income from flying lessons he couldn’t give, $33,637 in damage to his plane, and $634 in cleanup costs he has paid. And he wants $4.5 million in general damages.

The countersuit alleges the city was negligent in locating the power lines in the arrival and departure route for Boeing Field. And it didn’t mark or light them so he and other pilots can see them, he said.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.