Sec. 15-71b. Aircraft accidents: Definitions. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 15-71b. Aircraft accidents: Definitions. As used in section 15-71a and chapter 267:

      (a) "Aircraft accident" means an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, in which any person suffers death or serious injury as a result of such person being in or upon the aircraft or in direct contact with the aircraft or anything attached thereto or as a result of the operation of the aircraft, or the aircraft receives substantial damage;

      (b) "Operator" means any person who causes or authorizes the operation of an aircraft, such as the owner, lessee or bailee of an aircraft;

      (c) "Substantial damage" means damage or structural failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component, except that engine failure, damage limited to an engine, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin of fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes or wing tips are not considered "substantial damage" for the purpose of this part.

      (1969, P.A. 309, S. 1.)