“Attorney Gary Robb is by far the most successful helicopter crash lawyer in the country.”

The Nation’s Leading Aviation Law Firm

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Crash Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Grand Canyon helicopter crash, Robb & Robb can help. Our firm has secured the largest recoveries in history for Grand Canyon tour helicopter accident victims, including a United States record-breaking $100 million settlement for a single wrongful death.

With over $2 billion in results, including the record largest helicopter crash jury verdicts and settlements in United States history, our success is unsurpassed. And we were honored to represent the family of NBA legend Kobe Bryant for his death, along with his daughter Gianna, in that high-profile helicopter crash.

We understand the devastating impact these preventable tragedies have on families, and we are committed to holding negligent operators and manufacturers fully accountable while pursuing maximum compensation.

Grand Canyon helicopter crashes are almost always preventable; defective fuel systems, inadequate maintenance, poor weather decisions, or mechanical failures are often the causes. Our investigations uncover the truth, our litigation demands accountability, and our results speak for themselves.

Call (877) 749-4999 or complete our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour crash attorney. We represent crash victims nationwide. Consultations can be held virtually for your convenience. Available 24/7.

Our Verdicts & Settlements

Record-Setting Results in Helicopter Accidents

We have obtained the two highest jury verdicts in U.S. history in helicopter crash trials ($350 million and $116 million), as well as the two highest pre-trial settlements in U.S. history ($100 million, Colorado and $100 million, Nevada), both for a single wrongful death and a single personal injury.

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Family Heritage, National Impact

Built by family and united in purpose, this nationally recognized aviation law firm is led by Gary and Anita Robb, alongside their son Andrew and his wife Brittany. Decades of focused experience, unmatched results, and fearless advocacy define their work. Together, they have secured landmark verdicts, shaped aviation safety standards, and earned a reputation as the leading authority in complex aviation litigation nationwide.

Stories from the Families We’ve Advocated For

At Robb & Robb, families place their trust in us during the most challenging moments of their lives. We honor that trust with steadfast dedication, combining compassion, clear guidance, and tenacious advocacy. Standing with families affected by aviation accidents, we fight for justice, accountability, and meaningful improvements in safety across the industry.

Aviation accidents require unmatched legal experience. If you or a loved one have been injured due to negligence, contact Robb & Robb online or call (877) 749-4999 to explore your legal options.

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We Wrote the Book We Defined the Modern Practice of Helicopter Crash Litigation

"This book is an essential volume...by accomplished trial lawyer Gary Robb, who has used these same techniques in a brilliant career..." - International Press Publications -

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Record-Breaking Helicopter Crash Results

Our helicopter accident settlements and verdicts demonstrate our ability to maximize compensation while driving industry reform:

$350 million jury verdict, the largest helicopter crash verdict in U.S. history
$116 million jury verdict, the largest wrongful death verdict in New York history (tour helicopter)
$100 million settlement for the family of a British honeymooner who suffered catastrophic burns and died 12 days after a Papillon Airways crash in the Grand Canyon, the U.S. record for a single wrongful death in a tour helicopter crash
$100 million settlement, the largest personal injury settlement from a medical helicopter crash
$38 million settlement for a client who survived with severe burn injuries in this Grand Canyon crash, requiring years of reconstructive surgery, a record personal injury settlement for tour helicopter survivors
Also, we were honored to represent the family of NBA legend Kobe Bryant for his death in a helicopter crash.

These results provide substantial settlement leverage in future Grand Canyon cases and send a powerful message: negligence and defective products will result in full accountability.

Understanding the Unique Dangers of Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

The Grand Canyon presents one of the most challenging and hazardous environments for helicopter operations globally.

Severe and unpredictable wind conditions. Massive temperature differentials between the canyon floor and rim create powerful updrafts and downdrafts that can exceed a helicopter's climb capability. These air currents can suddenly propel aircraft into canyon walls with no time for corrective action.
Congested airspace during peak seasons. Multiple tour operators fly dozens of helicopters daily through the same scenic corridors. When pilots are focused on providing narration and watching competitors, their attention can be diverted from critical tasks such as collision avoidance.
Remote crash locations and delayed rescue. Many tours fly over extremely remote terrain where emergency medical services may be hours away. Crash victims with severe burns often wait in excruciating pain for rescue, and these delays can mean the difference between survival and death.
High-density altitude operations. The canyon's elevation and hot summer temperatures reduce helicopter performance. Engines produce less power, rotor blades generate less lift, and safety margins become increasingly narrow.

Operator Pressures That Compromise Safety

Economic incentives to fly in marginal weather. Disappointed customers demand refunds when flights are canceled, creating enormous pressure on operators and pilots to fly in questionable conditions rather than make the conservative, safe decision to stay on the ground.
Pilot distraction from tour guide responsibilities. Many operators require pilots to simultaneously fly the helicopter and provide entertaining narration, which reduces situational awareness and increases the risk of accidents during critical phases of flight.
Competitive pressure to provide "thrilling" experiences. Tour companies market dramatic close-up views, pressuring pilots to fly lower and closer to rock formations than safe operations would dictate, leaving no margin for error.

The Fire Bomb Problem: Preventable Post-Crash Fires with CRFS

Many sightseeing helicopter crash deaths result not from impact, but from post-crash fires that are entirely preventable. In survivable landings, traditional fuel tanks often rupture, releasing jet fuel that ignites instantly and engulfs the cabin in flames and toxic smoke.

We Are the Country's Leading Law Firm on Helicopter Crash Resistant Fuel Systems (CRFS)

Our law firm has been on the leading edge of advocating for Crash Resistant Fuel Systems (CRFS) in helicopters for over 20 years (read about Mr. Robb’s work on CRFS in the Wall Street Journal). This technology has been available since the 1960s, but the helicopter industry has resisted utilizing it. As a result, even a routine hard landing can result in a devastating and disabling post-crash fire. We have handled many of these cases, including the two highest results in U.S. history, a $100 million cash settlement in 2024 in Nevada for the wrongful death of Jonathan Udall from post crash burn injuries during a Grand Canyon tour, a $100 million cash settlement in 2018 in Colorado for the 90% burn injuries to David Repsher in a 2015 helicopter crash, and one of the very first substantial settlements in 2001, $38 million for Chana Daskal's burn injuries sustained in a Grand Canyon helicopter crash.

On December 22, 2023, just prior to the scheduled Udall trial, Airbus for the first time offered its CRFS retrofits free of charge, to U.S. customers only. Mr. Robb has questioned Airbus’s action as too little too late.

The crash involving the British honeymooner Jonathan Udall exemplified this danger. All occupants survived the initial hard landing, but a ruptured fuel tank triggered a fire that caused the honeymooner to suffer burns over more than 90% of his body before dying. His bride was severely burned, and three other passengers also died in the fire.

Crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS) have been available since the 1960s and are highly effective at preventing post-impact fires. Used for decades in military helicopters, these systems employ self-sealing valves and reinforced fuel tanks; yet many civilian manufacturers delayed their adoption.

For over 20 years, Attorney Gary Robb and Robb & Robb have advocated for the mandatory use of CRFS. Our firm’s $100 million settlement in the above case ultimately forced Airbus to offer free CRFS retrofits to U.S. operators, and Papillon Airways agreed to retrofit its entire fleet.

Causes of Grand Canyon Helicopter Crashes

Mechanical Failures and Defective Components

Engine and transmission problems causing sudden loss of power at low altitude
Hydraulic system defects eliminating pilot control over the aircraft
Tail rotor malfunctions resulting in uncontrolled spins into terrain
Fuel system defects, including non-crash-resistant tanks and defective fuel control units

Maintenance and Inspection Failures

Deferred maintenance to maximize flight hours and revenue
Use of non-approved parts to cut costs
Inadequate inspection procedures that miss critical defects

Pilot Error and Operational Decisions

Flying in deteriorating weather conditions despite safety risks
Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to pilot spatial disorientation or distraction
Loss of situational awareness when focused on narration rather than flying

Who Can Be Held Liable in Grand Canyon Helicopter Crashes?

Tour Operators and Charter Companies

Companies like Papillon Airways, Maverick Helicopters, and Sundance Helicopters may be liable for inadequate pilot training, pressure to fly in unsafe conditions, failure to maintain aircraft properly, and overloading helicopters beyond limits.

Aircraft Manufacturers

Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, and others may face liability for design defects, including non-crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS), manufacturing defects, failure to warn about known dangers, and failure to implement available safety technologies.

Component and Engine Manufacturers

Companies like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and component suppliers may be responsible for defective engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, fuel system components, and tail rotor assemblies.

Maintenance Providers

Independent maintenance facilities may be liable for negligent inspections, improper repairs, use of non-approved parts, and failure to comply with manufacturer service bulletins.

Compensation Available for Grand Canyon Helicopter Crash Victims

Wrongful Death Damages

Economic damages, including loss of financial support and services
Loss of companionship and guidance compensating for emotional support and presence
Loss of parental care when children lose a mother or father
Pre-death pain and suffering for victims who lived after the crash
Pre-impact terror
Funeral and burial expenses

Personal Injury Damages for Survivors

Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, burn treatment, reconstructive procedures, rehabilitation, and lifetime care
Lost income and diminished earning capacity when injuries prevent return to work
Pain and suffering for physical agony and emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life when catastrophic injuries prevent participation in activities

Punitive Damages

Available in cases of egregious conduct, such as knowingly operating without crash-resistant fuel systems, ignoring manufacturer safety warnings, or pressuring pilots to fly in unsafe conditions.

Why Choose Us for Your Grand Canyon Helicopter Crash Case?

Unmatched Legal Proficiency

We hold the U.S. record results in helicopter crash verdicts and settlements.

We Wrote the Book on Helicopter Crash Litigation

Attorney Gary Robb authored Helicopter Crash Litigation, the authoritative legal treatise used nationwide. We have represented high-profile victims, including Vanessa Bryant, following the crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Our firm has over four decades of experience in private aviation litigation and collaborates with world-class experts in accident reconstruction, aviation engineering, fuel systems, and human factors.

Commitment to Safety Reform

We measure success not only by compensation, but also by the lives saved through industry reform. Our CRFS advocacy has forced manufacturers to offer retrofits and operators to install fire-resistant fuel tanks. Our refusal of NDAs ensures safety information reaches regulators and the public.

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Robb & Robb in the News

Many cases handled successfully by the Firm’s attorneys have received national and international media attention, including featured stories and broadcasts on ABC News, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, the CBS Evening News, BBC, Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, U.S. News & World Report, CNN.com, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The National Law Journal, Lawyers Weekly USA, BNA Reporter, Law 360, Business Insider, The Missouri Lawyers Weekly, and The Kansas City Star, the Miami Herald, Las Vegas Review – Journal, as well as numerous news platforms posted and televised around the world.

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Take Action to Protect Your Family's Rights

In the wake of a Grand Canyon helicopter crash, time is critical. Evidence degrades, witnesses become unavailable, and statutes of limitation impose strict deadlines. Robb & Robb is prepared to begin an immediate investigation and pursue full accountability on your behalf.

Call (877) 749-4999 or reach out online to book your free case evaluation with a Grand Canyon helicopter crash attorney today.

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Unsurpassed Record of Success

We have secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, becoming aviation’s most influential safety advocate. Our record includes the two highest U.S. helicopter crash jury verdicts—$350 million and $116 million—and we are the only firm to recover $100 million or more for a single aviation death or injury in five separate jurisdictions nationwide.
Family Led, Nationally Recognized

Led by two generations of one family – husband and wife Founding Partners Gary C. Robb and Anita Porte Robb, their son and Partner Andrew C. Robb along with his wife, Partner Brittany Sanders Robb, this law firm is nationally recognized as the leader in aviation litigation. Guided by integrity, courage, and accountability, they have become a moral force, driving modern aviation reform and safer skies nationwide.
Leading Authority in Aviation Law
With decades of focused aviation litigation experience, this firm brings unparalleled knowledge to the most complex cases. Founding Partner Gary C. Robb authored the authoritative text on helicopter law, and the firms’ attorneys are widely regarded as the foremost experts in the field. No law firm is better equipped to navigate the technical, regulatory, and legal challenges that aviation cases is demand.