Written by Maurice Davis
Attorney Maurice Davis and Davis Injury Lawyers have filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Christina Coles, individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Coles, following a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of the 46-year-old Coldwater pilot on December 30, 2024.
The lawsuit was filed in Branch County Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court and names multiple defendants, including Sport Truck LLC d/b/a Elite Air Service, LLC, Apek Holdings, LLC, Aviation & Aircraft Professionals d/b/a A&A Air, Shawn Avra, and Richard Davis, Jr.
The complaint alleges the defendants knowingly allowed an unsafe aircraft to be flown, resulting in Robert Coles’ death.
Pilot Killed in Cessna 310 Crash Near Coldwater
On December 30, 2024, Robert Coles departed Branch County Memorial Airport in Coldwater, Michigan, on a ferry flight headed to Alexander Salamon Airport in West Union, Ohio.
Coles was flying a 1960 Cessna 310, registration number N6979T, as part of an aircraft sale agreement. The plane crashed at approximately 3:15 p.m. EST before reaching its destination.
According to the lawsuit, Coles was transporting the aircraft on behalf of the seller defendants, who retained ownership and risk of loss until delivery was completed.
Another company pilot followed in a separate aircraft and later arrived at the crash scene after Coles failed to arrive.
Lawsuit Alleges Defendants Knew Aircraft Was Unsafe
The complaint alleges the aircraft was not airworthy and should never have been flown. According to the lawsuit, the defendants marketed the aircraft as “ferryable” and represented the engines as being in good condition. But investigators later discovered serious fuel system problems and significant aircraft damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board reportedly found fuel tanks with holes, leaking fuel tanks, an auxiliary tank that could not be fueled, and an aircraft that had never undergone its required annual inspection. The lawsuit further alleges defendant Shawn Avra had previously received written notice that the aircraft sustained damage after being struck by a lawnmower.
Employees allegedly warned that the aircraft should be dismantled and sold for parts rather than flown. Despite those warnings, the complaint alleges the plane continued to be represented as safe and airworthy.
FAA Restrictions Were Allegedly Ignored
The lawsuit also claims the aircraft was operating under a special FAA flight permit that imposed strict conditions for the flight.
According to the complaint, those restrictions required daylight-only operation, visual flight rules, the most direct flight route, and confirmation from a certificated mechanic that the aircraft was safe for the specific flight. The lawsuit alleges that safety requirements were not followed.
Eyewitness Reported Both Engines Failed Before Crash
According to the lawsuit, an eyewitness told investigators the aircraft’s engines appeared to cut in and out before the crash. The witness reportedly observed the plane turn back toward the airport before both engines failed completely and the aircraft descended straight down.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Seeks Accountability
The lawsuit alleges negligence and gross negligence against all defendants. The complaint alleges that the aircraft owners failed to ensure the aircraft was airworthy, to complete required inspections, to properly maintain the plane, and to prevent unqualified individuals from performing maintenance work.
The lawsuit also alleges Richard Davis, Jr. inspected the aircraft on December 17, 2024, declared it airworthy, and performed maintenance he was not qualified to conduct.
Attorney Maurice Davis says the lawsuit seeks accountability for decisions that allegedly placed Robert Coles in danger.
“This lawsuit is about accountability and preventing another completely avoidable tragedy,” Davis said.
Prior Aircraft Incident Raises Additional Safety Concerns
The complaint also references a previous aircraft incident involving the same defendants. According to the lawsuit, Robert Coles survived a September 2024 crash involving another aircraft owned by the defendants after landing gear failed to deploy, forcing a belly landing in a field.
The complaint alleges that Coles warned the company about unsafe maintenance practices and pushed for the termination of an unqualified mechanic before the fatal December crash.
Damages Sought on Behalf of Robert Coles’ Family
Christina Coles filed the lawsuit on behalf of herself and the Estate of Robert Coles.
The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, conscious pain and suffering, loss of society and companionship, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and future earnings, loss of financial support, medical expenses, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and other relief permitted by law.
Case Status and Investigation
The lawsuit was filed on January 27, 2026, in Branch County Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court. The NTSB investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The complaint reserves the right to amend claims as additional investigative findings become available.
Davis Injury Lawyers says it will continue pursuing full accountability and compensation for the Coles family.
For media inquiries, contact Davis Injury Lawyers at advice@michiganinjurylawyer.com.
About Davis Injury Lawyers
Davis Injury Lawyers represents individuals and families across Michigan in serious injury and wrongful death cases. The firm is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for people harmed by dangerous conduct and preventable tragedies.