Brothers Secure $1.725 Million Verdict in Aviation Crash Case

DALLAS, Sept. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Brothers Austin and Jackson Smith secured a $1.725 million jury verdict for their client, Daniel Filer, in a Dallas County aviation case stemming from the 2023 crash of a single-engine jet during the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow.

The lawsuit, Daniel Filer v. Mark Ruff, was tried in the 14th Judicial District Court of Dallas County. According to court filings, the incident occurred on August 13, 2023, when Filer was serving as the pilot-in-command of his Soviet-era MiG-23 aircraft during the airshow. Mark Ruff, who occupied the rear cockpit as an observer, initiated an ejection against Filer's direction, ejecting both occupants and leaving the aircraft unmanned before it crashed near a residential apartment building.

Jackson Smith, an attorney with Dallas-based Lyons & Simmons, represented Filer alongside his brother, Austin Smith, who is a partner at Steckler Wayne. The lawsuit alleged that Ruff's actions were negligent and led to the crash. Following a trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding $1.725 million in damages and found no negligence on the part of Filer.

Jackson Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside his brother and to give Mr. Filer his day in court.

Lyons & Simmons, known for securing billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of its clients, has a strong track record in representing plaintiffs in significant personal injury and wrongful death matters.