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$6 million for the destroyed helicopter Duffy piloted,
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$6 million for the lost value of the company’s remaining grounded K-Max fleet, and
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$10 million for past and future lost profits.
Kaman had previously paid $8 million in April to settle wrongful-death claims filed by Duffy’s family, but the company continued to dispute Central Copters’ financial loss claims.
Interest Tacks Millions More Onto Verdict
Judge Morris ruled that interest on half of the $12 million tied to the helicopters began accruing on the day of the crash, while interest on the rest would be calculated based on the dates of the helicopter sales.
The court also awarded Central Copters nearly $40,000 in taxable costs, though it denied interest on $958,000 in lost profits. The exact amount of interest due will be finalized after further calculation.
Immediately after Duffy’s crash, Central Copters grounded its entire K-Max fleet, citing safety concerns. Each aircraft—valued between $5.2 million and $5.9 million—was later sold below market price, deepening the company’s financial wounds.
