A recent lawsuit has shed light on the tragic death of Roma Gupta and the severe injuries sustained by her daughter, Reeva Gupta, in a New York plane crash. The legal complaint, filed in February 2025, points to disturbing safety issues surrounding the Piper PA-28-161 aircraft, which caught fire mid-flight and crashed in Lindenhurst, N.Y., on March 5, 2023.
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Roma Gupta, aged 63, and her daughter Reeva, 33, were on a flight lesson that quickly turned into a nightmare as the plane went down during its final approach. The crash resulted in Roma’s untimely death and the pilot’s demise, while Reeva suffered catastrophic injuries but managed to survive. The lawsuit claims that the tragic incident was entirely preventable and was a result of the plane being operated for profit despite known safety concerns.
The defendants named in the lawsuit – 2 BA Pilot NYC, Danny Waizman Aviation and parent company Danny Waizman, Republic Aviation, and Robert Gainor – are accused of gross negligence, recklessness, and a blatant disregard for safety protocols. The legal document alleges that the defendants ignored warnings of smoke in the cockpit just weeks prior to the crash, yet chose to operate the aircraft without addressing the mechanical defects.
The complaint further asserts that the defendants have a documented history of compromising safety standards, dismissing complaints, and endangering passengers and students with life-threatening conditions. The Gupta family, in a statement, called for a criminal investigation into the matter, urging the District Attorney to take action. They highlighted the NTSB report’s findings, which underscored the flight school’s negligence and profit-driven decision-making.
Attorneys representing the Gupta family condemned the defendants’ actions as gross negligence that prioritised profit over human life, resulting in the tragic crash. The legal action seeks accountability and aims to prevent similar devastating losses due to wilful negligence. Despite requests for comments, representatives for the defendants have not responded to inquiries from PEOPLE.
The Gupta family’s demand for justice and accountability resonates with the grief and loss they have experienced. The lawsuit not only seeks redress through civil channels but also calls for criminal accountability to ensure that those responsible are held to answer for their actions. The tragic crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and adhering to stringent protocols in aviation operations.
The lawsuit and the Gupta family’s pursuit of justice underscore the critical need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in aviation activities. The legal proceedings will be closely monitored as they unfold, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the preventable tragedy and the quest for justice in the face of loss and devastation.