Tahlequah Daily Press

Local News

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
November 3, 2009

Mother of woman killed in helicopter crash files suit

By BOB GIBBINS



The mother of a Tahlequah woman killed last month in a helicopter crash has filed suit against the pilot’s estate, his parents and the helicopter manufacturer.

Attorneys for Juanita Kristene Scraper filed the suit late Friday afternoon. Her daughter, Darci Scraper, and pilot Mark James Mahaney, 26, died in the mid-October crash of a Robinson R-22 Beta helicopter.

In addition to Mahaney’s estate, the petition also lists as defendants his parents, James Mahaney and René Rozell; Robinson Helicopter Co.; the estate of Trevor B. Noble; and five unknown men, listed in court documents as John Does 1-5.

The suit alleges Mahaney “negligently” operated the helicopter, which “caused and contributed” to the injuries that ultimately killed Darci Scraper. It claims Juanita Scraper is entitled to recover compensation for “grief and loss of companionship, services, love, care, affection prior to her death, funeral and burial expenses and punitive damages.”

James Mahaney and René Rozell are listed as defendants because they allegedly “exercised control” over the helicopter and were “instrumental in furnishing” the aircraft to Mark Mahaney, the suit contends. It also alleges Mahaney’s parents knew or should have known of their son’s “reckless flying habits.”

The suit claims the helicopter was manufactured in 2007 and was purchased by John Doe 1 from John Doe 2.

The craft was owned by Trevor Noble at the time of the crash, the suit states.

The suit alleges the helicopter was “negligently designed” by Robinson Helicopter Co. in a manner that made it “defective and unreasonably dangerous.”

Scraper seeks judgment against each defendant in excess of $10,000 for actual and exemplary damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by Garvin Isaacs, an Oklahoma City attorney.

Text Only
Local News
  • ts CN econ.tif Cherokee Nation releases economic impact report

    The Cherokee Nation on Tuesday released its economic impact report for 2010, which shows the tribe provides over 9,000 jobs, $831 million to Oklahoma state output and more than $257 million in income to Oklahoma residents.

    February 15, 2012 1 Photo

  • Botts to run for re-election

    Bobby Botts, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, has announced his plan to run for re-election as District 2 County Commissioner.

    February 15, 2012

  • Hulbert bond issue fails

    A bond issue that would have funded needed elementary classrooms, a boys’ and girls’ athletic facility and air conditioning for a gymnasium, while providing a new roof for a leaking auditorium, has been voted down again.

    February 15, 2012

  • Former UKB health services director facing rape charge

    A former health services employee for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is facing a first-degree rape charge in Cherokee County.

    February 15, 2012

  • TPS may create new curriculum position

    Tahlequah Board of Education members this week adopted a job description for what could be a new administrative role within the district.

    February 15, 2012

  • Boy Scouts go co-ed

    When Jeff Carroll first got involved with the Boy Scouts back in 1980, the only women involved were den mothers. Times have changed.

    February 15, 2012

  • jn TPS election.tif Voters boot Baker

    Tahlequah I-35 voters overwhelmingly voted out the sitting school board president Tuesday night.
    Seat 2 incumbent Tim K. Baker received 487 votes, or 34.13 percent, compared to challenger David Morrison’s 940 votes, or 65.87 percent.

    February 15, 2012 1 Photo

  • rf cole.jpg Cool jazz with Cole

    At 79 years old, Freddy Cole, younger brother of Nat King Cole, still has his jazz chops.

    February 14, 2012 1 Photo

  • TPS approves districting plan

    Tahlequah Public Schools board members Monday night approved a plan to divide the district into two zones beginning next year.

    February 14, 2012

  • Hospital grows as training facility

    Tahlequah City Hospital is gaining recognition as a training ground for new physicians, and hospital officials hope their experience here will move them to open their practices in Tahlequah.

    February 14, 2012

Poll

This question is not for people who have never attended church, nor those who still attend the same church they always did. It's for those who no longer attend their original church of choice. Why did you stop attending your original church?

No longer believe in that church's teachings (either stopped altogether or attend different church).
Boring sermons or music, or too many disruptions during service (crying infants, etc.)
Work schedule, lack of transportation, chronic illness or other personal issues.
Personal disputes with the pastor or other church members.
Lack of meaningful programs for youth, young adults, etc.
Moved away.
Combination of the above.
None of the above.
     View Results
Press Sports Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
More Than 350 Die in Honduran Prison Fire Defiant Iran Loads Own Fuel Rods Into Reactor Lawmakers Move to Cusp of Payroll Tax Cut Deal Raw Video: Syrian Army, Rebels Battle in Homs Video Essay: Saving the Miami Blue Butterfly NYPD Officer Shot During Subway Confrontation Obama's Valentine's Advice: 'Go Big' San Francisco's Valentine's Gift to Tony Bennett Iranian Boats Shadow US Aircraft Carrier in Gulf Hundreds Rally Against Alabama Immigration Law Whitney Houston Funeral to Be Invitation Only New Details in Search for Missing Utah Mom Raw Video: Protesters, Security Clash in Bahrain Obama: Good US-China Ties Help the Whole World School Pays Students to Attend Class Raw Video: 5 People Injured in Bangkok Blasts Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Stocks
Bedlam