Aviation Giant Boeing Back in Court Over 1995 Camair Disaster
Boeing’s legal challenges continue to mount as the company faces a second major lawsuit related to the crash of a Cameroon Airlines (Camair) Boeing 737-200 in December 1995. The crash, which claimed the lives of 71 people, including 68 passengers and three crew members, is now the focus of a fresh lawsuit filed by the liquidated airline, Camair. On February 20, 2025, Boeing will face the Tribunal de Grande Instance du Wouri, where it is expected to answer for its role in the tragedy.
In March 2023, the same court had already held Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, the manufacturer of the plane’s engines, responsible for another fatal crash involving a Boeing 737 in 1984. That case resulted in a 158 billion FCFA payout to Camair, highlighting Boeing’s vulnerability in ongoing legal battles.
Investigations and Findings
The Cameroon government’s official investigation into the 1995 crash found multiple failures by both Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. According to the investigation report released in early 1996, the crash was caused by a combination of factors, including a defective engine manufactured by Pratt & Whitney and Boeing’s lack of crucial safety systems. Specifically, the plane’s JT8D-15 engine failed due to a manufacturing flaw. Boeing’s failure to equip the cockpit with an alarm system to warn the pilots of engine loss played a significant role in the disaster.
Furthermore, the inquiry revealed that Boeing had not trained the crew to handle such emergencies with a single engine during the crucial landing phase. The report concluded that the accident might have been avoided had Boeing and Pratt & Whitney addressed these issues, which were present even in earlier models of the Boeing 737.
A Case with Major Financial Implications
With the court’s findings, the liquidated Camair has filed a new claim for 103.1 billion FCFA in damages. This claim breaks down as follows:
– 23.1 billion FCFA for the replacement cost of the aircraft
– 75 billion FCFA for lost operational revenues
– 5 billion FCFA for reputational damage to the airline
This new lawsuit adds to the mounting legal pressure Boeing faces globally. This is especially concerning given the company’s reputation issues following its involvement in high-profile crashes like the 737 MAX disaster.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Tribunal de Grande Instance du Wouri will continue scrutinizing Boeing’s role in the tragedy. The aviation industry will watch closely how this case will impact the company’s financial standing and future business operations.
Boeing’s stakes are high, as the ongoing litigation threatens significant financial consequences and further damage its reputation in the global aviation market. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how aviation giants are held accountable for accidents involving manufacturing defects and safety lapses.
