Six Years After Fatal Hot Air Balloon Crash in Texas, New Federal Rules for Pilots Go Into Effect
November 30, 2022
According to San Antonio Current’s recent report, the Federal Aviation Administration adopted a final rule requiring commercial hot-air balloon pilots to carry medical certificates if they fly paying passengers. On July 30, 2016, 16 people were killed when the hot air balloon they were riding in struck power lines, crashed, and caught fire in the community of Maxwell, near Lockhart, Texas.
The rule requires commercial hot-air balloon pilots to hold a second-class medical certificate – the same standard required for other commercial pilots. U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, authored the law in response to the tragic Lockhart air balloon crash, in which a pilot flying under the influence hit a power line.
The FAA is recently implementing the rule on a federal level after the Texas Legislature passed similar requirements in 2018.
USA Today reported that the crash was the deadliest hot-air balloon accident in U.S. history.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s final accident report filed in 2017, they determined that the pilot had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known to cause cognitive deficits that could have affect the flight. Had that fact been properly reviewed by the FAA, the report suggests, an aviation medical examiner likely would have rejected his medical certificate and the crash could have been prevented.
The federal agency also noted the FAA failed to catch several major safety violations as a possible cause of the crash. “The FAA did not detect the pilot’s history of drug and alcohol convictions for over 20 years,” the report said. “The FAA also did not identify the pilot’s failure to properly report his history of offenses on his 1996 application for a third-class medical certificate, and, because the pilot was not required to obtain a medical certificate as a commercial balloon pilot, the FAA did not have further opportunities to identify his convictions via the medical certification process.”
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00:17 15 Feb 22
I was injured and my business closed down due to an accident in 2016. Daniel Sheppard became my greatest asset. He hired professional experts for their views and opinions as well as conducting numerous depositions. Daniel is hard working and no nonsense when handling your case. Daniel keeps you... informed on what's going on and what to expect. I'm from Louisiana and my case was in Texas. Daniel Sheppard worked alone side my other attorney Yuri Beck, and the both of them did a fantastic job representing me and settling my case. Daniel Sheppard of Morrow & Sheppard in Texas and Yuri Beck of Hunter & Beck in Louisiana are my lawyers for LIFE.read more
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14:24 04 Jan 22
Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were the lead attorneys on my case to hold an apartment complex with inadequate security responsible for the death of my son. The two of them were focused and determined to represent me and my son's children with tenacity. As the case continued over time, it became... apparent that we were not merely clients that were a means to a financial end to them but people who had experienced a life changing and devastating loss. They realized that as a result of our loss, there needed to be accountability that could only be obtained through legal actions. Throughout the legal process, Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were not only professional and transparent but also compassionate and empathetic as they lead us through the difficult and sometimes confusing legal maze. Every person in their office that was involved with our case exemplified an extension of the genuine concern that began with attorneys Morrow and Sheppard. I have and will continue to recommend this firm to individuals who find themselves in need of legal representation.read more
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18:18 23 Nov 21
The legal team at Morrow and Shepherd worked hard to help me win my case where a motorist who caused the accident changed her story and lied about the accident. A previous attorney kept telling me that I would probably have to pay some of the medical costs out of my own pocket.Daniel, my... attorney, assured me that he would it is best to make sure this did not happen and that he would fight to get me the best compensation possible. He was true to his word.I'm happy with their work, happy with the compensation and would definitely use them again.The Legal Assistant, Chris, was always professional, friendly and polite and a pleasure to work with.A big thanks to the team!Donread more
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01:52 21 Nov 21
Nick and his group have helped where they can and are working hard to get a resolution to my injuries. I spoke with 4 different law firms prior to choosing Morrow & Sheppard LLP.ThanksJeff
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19:28 18 Nov 21
My Husband was injured at work, & with not knowing what to do or where to turn.We can say Thanks to John,& Jimenez @ Marrow & Sheppard,that represented my Husband we are very Satisfy & happy with the outcome and would recommend them to any others seeking professional lawyers. thanks to Morrow &... Sheppard.read more
bella L.
04:24 22 Sep 21
I was referred to Daniel Sheppard because of a car accident I had been in. I was very impressed with how he told me about the process of how things worked and the things to expect. He was very forth coming and always supportive. The experience was a positive one and ended on a great note! I highly... recommend him.Elizabeth Varonread more
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01:25 03 Sep 21
Before I engaged John Sheppard, I was concerned that I might lose my case. However, John came onboard, turned things around, and set me on a good course to win. He got up to speed quickly on the facts and determined exactly what we needed to do. He is great at strategy, filing discovery and... other motions, and arguing before the court. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of my case. If you need legal help in a personal injury action, commercial law or whatever, hire him immediately! He is a pleasure to work with, will thoroughly explain all to you in a manner you can understand, and will get you the best possible outcome. A+++read more
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01:20 11 May 21
I was seriously injured and they represented me and I was so happy with the outcome and would recommend them to any others seeking professional lawyers. They also set me up with the best doctors. My son and I have now put this lawsuit behind us thanks to Morrow & Sheppard.
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18:53 22 Apr 21
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03:28 04 Nov 20
Nick Morrow is a GREAT lawyer that really knows his job. He made me feel comfortable about hiring him to handle my case. He’s trustworthy and very compassionate about his work. His staff is awesome also, everyone was nice and friendly to me when I visited the office. The settlement I received... exceeded my expectations, it was four times what I expected. I would highly recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone needing legal representation. Thanks again Nick!!read more
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I was injured working offshore. Morrow & Sheppard handled my maritime case and won a great settlement for me. If you have been injured at work, Morrow & Sheppard are great offshore injury lawyers.
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02:19 30 Nov 19
Morrow & Sheppard won my family a multimillion dollar settlement in a wrongful death case after my kids’ father died. The settlement money will help make sure my family is taken care of, and that my kids can go to college. If you have a wrongful death case or a loved one dies at work, call Morrow... & Sheppard. They will take care of you.read more
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16:26 27 Nov 19
Morrow & Sheppard helped me when my employer breached my contract. They took the case from start to finish, and won our trial. If you’ve been injured or wronged at work, call Morrow & Sheppard.
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22:53 14 Nov 19
I suffered a work injury when the work vehicle I was riding in was involved in an accident with another car. Morrow & Sheppard took my case and won a great settlement for me. If you need a work injury attorney, I highly recommend Morrow & Sheppard.
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00:39 12 Nov 19
Nick Morrow and John Sheppard are the best. I was paralyzed in a work injury. Several other lawyers turned down my case. Morrow & Sheppard hired expensive experts, took dozens of depositions, and proved my case. I saw them in court against a team of defense lawyers, and the defense lawyers... didn’t stand a chance. Morrow & Sheppard took my case all the way when nobody else would. Now my family is set up for life. Throughout the process, they kept me updated and made me feel like I was more than a number. I still talk to Nick to this day. Morrow & Sheppard exceeded my expectations in every way, and I cannot recommend them enough. If you are injured at work, call Morrow & Sheppard.read more
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23:20 17 Oct 18
Nick Morrow represented me in a commercial dispute and achieved a positive and quick resolution. Both Nick Morrow and John Sheppard have the background, determination, dedication and passion that is critical when choosing legal representation. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
Sallie M.
18:55 01 Aug 15
Morrow & Sheppard is a great law firm. Both Nick and John are excellent attorneys that aggressively and zealously pursue their clients' claims.
Yusuf B.
15:44 22 Jul 15
John Sheppard, with Morrow & Sheppard LLP, is brilliant. On more than one occasion, he successfully represented various affiliated companies I was part of. John is very diligent, thorough and fights hard for righteousness. There were numerous times that he helped us through extremely difficult... moments. John is very professional, responsive and respectful. I highly endorse Morrow and Sheppard LLP for legal representation and/or legal assistance needs.read more
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21:19 15 Jul 15
John and Nick are well trained, experienced, smart and most importantly, tenaciously dedicated to their clients' interests. They will get the job done right.
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18:41 14 Jul 15
Should I ever need an attorney Morrow & Sheppard will be my first call. Having known them both for many years now I know the passion and dedication that they both have toward their work. They both have a solid background that helps them to meet any needs that clients may have. I would recommend... them to anyone in need of an attorney.read more
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16:39 14 Jul 15
My experience with John, at Morrow and Sheppard, during my company’s litigation was better than I could have imagined (considering the circumstances of being involved in litigation). What stood out to me the most, was John’s tenacity in preparation. I later realized this came from two places, one... he didn’t want to lose and two (and most importantly) he CARED so much about me getting justice. I cannot stress this enough, when you are dealing with a lawyer that truly cares, then all of the other stresses I had around the case seemed to go away. I was always kept up to date with what was going on in our case, and he always made it very clear he was just an email or call away! In addition to these attributes, he also knows the law and is willing to fight for what is right! It would be tough to find another lawyer that is as highly effective, skilled, knowledgeable, ethical and has such an impeccable reputation (which is well deserved). I would recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone seeking out a law firm, in the event they needed counsel.read more
Brian R
16:04 14 Jul 15
Nick and John are a great team. They are both honest, trustworthy and have a tenacious work ethic on behalf of their clients. They stand behind these qualities, having left partnerships at great law firms to commit 100% to achieving results for individuals and businesses. They will fight for... you and I'm proud to call them clients and friends.read more
Jim B.
13:58 13 Jul 15
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04:13 11 Jul 15
John and Nick are outstanding lawyers. They are both extremely sharp, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about what they do. I would highly recommend either of them to anyone looking for high-level service that also happens to be affordable.
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22:08 10 Jul 15
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14:42 01 Jul 15
Nick's an outstanding lawyer and an even better person. I would recommend Morrow & Sheppard to anyone seeking legal representation.
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23:07 30 Jun 15
I have known Nick Morrow for many years, and he is incredibly trustworthy, intelligent, and generally one of the best people I know. Without question, I would recommend him and his firm to anyone needing legal representation.
Koetting J.
22:26 30 Jun 15
Morrow and Sheppard represented my business in a dispute and was able to quickly and successfully achieve a settlement. The attention to detail and timely work was very beneficial to us. I highly recommend Morrow & Sheppard.
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14:40 26 Jun 15
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17:33 24 Jun 15
Morrow & Sheppard would be my first call for legal assistance. I have known Nick Morrow for years and I cannot say enough positive things about him. He is smart, dedicated, ethical, dependable, and very thorough with every client. I would strongly recommend this firm to anyone looking for top of... the line legal assistance.read more
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15:28 24 Jun 15
Morrow & Sheppard LLP is an outstanding law firm. I have known Nick Morrow for many years. He is honest, hardworking, and very attentive to his clients. I could not recommend him enough for your legal needs.
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21:25 23 Jun 15
Nick Morrow represented my hospital in a rather messy multi-party contractual dispute between our landlord and a third party tenant that ended in a favorable outcome for our side. Throughout the process Nick provided excellent follow-up, strategic insight, and guidance. I would highly recommend... Morrow and Sheppard for legal services.read more
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Nick Morrow and John Sheppard are extremely knowledgeable, hard-working, and attentive. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of each and every client. I highly recommend this law firm for your next case.
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16:17 23 Jun 15
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