Crowley

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND DENYING DEFENDANTS’ MOTIONS FOR SANCTIONS

This case arises out of an airplane accident at the Burbank Airport on March 5, 2000, which has led to several lawsuits. On or about September 15, 2000, Defendants Southwest Airlines Co., Howard B. Peterson III, and Jeffrey D. Erwin (collectively “Defendants”) removed all of the pending cases arising from the accident to federal court. Because the cases are all factually related, they have been transferred to this Court.

Plaintiffs Bernard Hess Crowley and Gail Coleman Watts filed suit against Howard Peterson and Jeff Erwin, respectively the Captain and First Officer of Flight 1455, on August 10, 2001. Plaintiffs alleged a sole cause of action for negligence. On September 27, 2001, Plaintiffs amended their Complaint, adding Southwest Airlines as a defendant. Plaintiffs still seek only a claim for negligence as against all Defendants.

In the instant Motions, Defendants Howard Peterson and Jeff Erwin and Defendant Southwest Airlines move this Court for summary judgment on the ground that Plaintiffs’ claims are barred by California’s one-year statute of limitations. Defendants…