A Richmond, B.C., auto repair company that was forced to close last year after a twin-engine plane crashed into its lot is now suing for damages.
The twin-engine Piper Navajo fell from the sky as it was approaching Vancouver International Airport for landing on July 9, 2009, crashing near an Ikea store about five kilometers from the airport.
The aircraft, on a weekly flight transporting blood from Victoria, burst into flames. Two pilots on board, 28-year-old Jeremy Sunderland and 23-year-old Mathew Pedersen, were killed.
In a writ filed in B.C. Supreme Court, Premier Auto Transmission Ltd. said the crash damaged their buildings and fences, as well as vehicles and transmissions stored on the property.
The company also claims they lost revenue because the shop had no electricity for two days. The suit alleges the plane's owner, Canada Air Charters Inc., trespassed and caused a nuisance on their property after the crash.
No amount of damages is given in the document.
Darcy Coonfer, Canada Air Charters' chief pilot, told ctvbc.ca the company is waiting to hear back from its lawyers before deciding whether it will file a statement of defence.
The crash is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.
Staff at Premier Auto Transmission declined to comment on the case Wednesday.
None of the claims have been proven in a court of law.
