Punk Musician Barker Files Suit Over Columbia South Carolina Plane Crash

By Patricia Mucerino

Published: November 22, 2008

    LOS ANGELES (AP) - Punk musician Travis Barker is suing
companies linked to a plane crash in South Carolina that injured
him and killed two of his friends.
    The former Blink-182 drummer has filed suit against the owners
of the plane, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and an airplane maintenance
company. He’s seeking more than $25,000 in damages.
    Barker’s suit claims the companies improperly operated and
maintained the Learjet that overshot a runway and burst into flames
Sept. 19.
    The crash killed two pilots, as well as Barker’s assistant and
Barker’s bodyguard.
    Barker and celebrity disc jockey DJ AM were both injured in the
crash. The pair had performed together the night of the crash and
were flying back to Los Angeles.
    Aviation authorities have said cockpit recordings indicate the
jet’s crew thought a tire had blown during takeoff.