Sergey Brin, the Google co-founder, has reached a settlement with the family of a pilot killed in a plane crash linked to one of his aircraft. As reported by Business Insider, the settlement concluded a lawsuit stemming from a tragic incident in May 2023, when a plane owned by Brin crashed off the California coast, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, Dean Rushfeldt and Lance Maclean. The Superior Court of Santa Clara County awaits the "exchange of closing documents and disbursement of the settlement fund," with proceedings expected to finalize within 60 days. The high-profile case offered a rare view into the usually private operations of Brin's family office, Bayshore Global.
In another suit filed by Maclean's widow, details emerged about the alleged negligence that led to the disaster, including the incorrect installation of a critical fuel component. As per a KRON4 report, the aircraft's maintenance team received instructions to prepare the plane for a ferry flight, which later experienced a fatal fuel system malfunction. The pilots' desperate attempts for help over the radio ended when they reported "dead stick," after which the plane went down in the Pacific Ocean.
Details of the Rushfeldt family's lawsuit filing revealed multiple counts of negligence, including allegations that Bayshore Global and Seafly, which maintained the aircraft, did not adhere to proper installation procedures, instead relying on memory rather than following a detailed checklist. Jessica McBryant, an attorney for Rushfeldt’s family, stated under a confidentiality agreement and declined further comment when approached by Business Insider.
Similarly, Maria Magdalena Olarte, the widow of pilot Maclean, filed a separate lawsuit demanding a jury trial. While the settlement of this case remains unclear, it was disclosed in November 2024 that negotiations were underway to resolve the matter. Despite Maclean's distressing situation, the FAA investigation found fuel starvation due to the extra bladders failing to transfer fuel. The aircraft was ultimately found 33 miles off the coast of Half Moon Bay, according to KRON4's coverage.
Initially named as a defendant in the original complaint, Google was later dismissed from the lawsuit following a request filed by the plaintiff this past February. No additional comments have been provided by Google or spokespersons for Brin's family office concerning the terms or outcomes of these legal settlements.
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