Plaintiffs Added Defendants to Ice Block Lawsuit
A judge-approved settlement with JetBlue has led to new litigation against the aircraft's water system providers.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Air Travel
Live Poll
Should homeowners have the right to sue multiple corporations for damages caused by aerial debris?
Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini have filed to add three companies as defendants in their lawsuit regarding an ice block that crashed through their roof on West 102nd Street in Inglewood. The plaintiffs previously settled with JetBlue Airways Corp. and are now pursuing claims against the manufacturers and maintenance providers of the aircraft's potable-water system.
Why it matters
The legal action seeks to address the origin of the incident, which allegedly stemmed from a leaking water system that allowed ice to accumulate on the aircraft exterior during flight. The case highlights the complex liability involved in aircraft maintenance and manufacturing following a history of reported water issues on the plane.
The plaintiffs claim over $11,000 in roof damage, $5,600 in therapy costs, and $84,000 in lost earnings. An FAA investigation identified potable-water system issues on the aircraft dating back to July 2023.
The players
Michael Reese
He is a plaintiff who claims significant lost earnings and property damage following the ice block incident.
Leah Ferrarini
She is a plaintiff who is seeking to expand legal claims against the aircraft system providers.
JetBlue Airways Corp.
The airline reached a court-approved settlement with the plaintiffs regarding the initial incident.
Airbus Americas Inc.
The company is one of the three additional entities the plaintiffs seek to sue for system maintenance and manufacturing.
The details
Reese and Ferrarini allege that Safran Cabin Inc., Airbus Americas Inc., and Absolute Aviation Services LLC are responsible for the aircraft's water system, which allegedly leaked and froze before dropping a block of ice onto their Inglewood home. The incident occurred during a flight from New York to Los Angeles, with similar ice-dropping events previously reported in August 2023.
Timeline
July 2023: Earliest recorded history of potable water issues.
August 2023: Aircraft suspected of dropping ice on another property.
January 1, 2024: Ice block crashed through the plaintiffs roof.
May 2024 - February 2025: Period of the plaintiffs lost earnings.
August 5, 2026: Judge approved the settlement with JetBlue.
Travel Outlook
This case follows the findings of the 2023 FAA potable-water system safety investigation, which documented recurrent issues on the aircraft in question. It marks a departure from standard airline settlements by extending legal liability to specific component manufacturers and service providers.
For residents in flight paths near Los Angeles International Airport, this case highlights potential hazards associated with recurring aircraft mechanical issues. Travelers should be aware that such litigation may lead to increased scrutiny and maintenance requirements for commercial aircraft systems.
The takeaway
Legal disputes involving aircraft incidents often involve multiple parties beyond the airline itself, extending to manufacturers and maintenance contractors. Plaintiffs seeking damages must navigate complex liability chains to recover costs related to property damage and lost income.
Further reading
Find more updates on aviation regulations and airline safety in Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
Live Poll
Should homeowners have the right to sue multiple corporations for damages caused by aerial debris?
