A Massachusetts attorney who collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while snowmobiling has been awarded $3.3 million in damages after a protracted legal battle. The accident, which occurred in March of 2019 during a routine training exercise, involved the parked Black Hawk after conducting landing maneuvers on a snow-covered airstrip when the snowmobiler unexpectedly struck the aircraft.

The Incident

The snowmobiler, identified as 46-year-old Jeffery Smith, was riding near his home in a rural area of Massachusetts when the accident occurred. He had been visiting his mother to help her with a computer issue. According to his testimony, he had one beer with dinner and another afterward with his father prior to heading off down the snowy trail to meet his brother. He recalls the headlights of the snowmobile reflecting off of an unknown surface. It was only after impact that he realized he had hit a helicopter.

According to court documents, the Black Hawk helicopter had landed in a snow-covered airstrip after flying from Fort Drum as part of an Army National Guard training operation. The helicopter, sitting on the ground in the dark, partially obscured by the terrain and snow, became an unexpected obstacle for Smith, who was traveling at approximately 65 mph at the time of impact. 

Smith claimed the helicopter was barely visible due to its placement in the snow-covered area and poor lighting conditions. He also stated that there were no warning signs or signals indicating the presence of military training in the area, leaving him unaware of the helicopter’s presence until it was too late.

One of the aircrew members recalls finding Smith face down in the snow. He rolled Smith on his back and called out to another crew member for trauma shears and space blankets. He recalls Smith gasping for air.

Rated Red
Snowmobile vs Black Hawk. Image Credit: Rated Red

Legal Battle

According to Rated Red, the case revolved around negligence claims, with Smith’s legal team arguing that the Army failed to adequately mark or signal the presence of the Black Hawk, which was in an area accessible to recreational snowmobilers. On the other hand, military representatives maintained that the helicopter had landed in a designated training area and that Smith was responsible for operating his snowmobile at a high speed without proper awareness of his surroundings.

After a lengthy trial, the jury sided with Smith, concluding that the Army was partly liable for failing to provide sufficient warnings or barriers to prevent civilians from entering the training zone. The $3.3 million award covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income due to the injuries sustained in the collision.

Long-Term Impacts

Smith suffered serious injuries in the collision, including multiple fractures and head trauma, which required extensive rehabilitation. Since the accident, he has been unable to return to his previous line of work and has had to undergo numerous medical treatments to regain mobility.