Wrongful Death Suit Filed for Family of Musician Killed on Nelson’s Plane

A second wrongful death suit stemming from the New Year’s Eve plane crash in which rock singer Rick Nelson and six others died has been filed in Burbank Superior Court on behalf of the wife and son of band member Patrick Jack Woodward.

The suit filed Friday alleges that the DC-3, which crashed in De Kalb, Tex., was defective and carelessly maintained. The suit said the plane was equipped with a faulty heater installation that caused a fire and crash in which Woodward, a bass player, died of thermal burns and smoke inhalation.

Named as defendants in the suit, which asks for unspecified general damages for Jodie Woodward and her son, Weston Woodward, are Martin Aviation Inc., Century Equipment Co., Duncan Aviation Inc. and the Midland Ross Corp.

In Los Angeles Superior Court, Nelson’s brother, David, was named temporary manager of the singer’s estate, which has been left to his four children.

Judge Julius E. Leetham granted David Nelson’s petition Friday to control his brother’s estate. Rick Nelson’s former wife, Kristin, had sought temporary control and filed a petition Tuesday saying that, to her knowledge, the singer had died without a will.

But David Nelson produced a will Thursday naming him executor and leaving the estate to Rick Nelson’s children, Tracy, Gunnar, Matthew and Sam. The will also says that control of Nelson’s properties, music rights and name should be maintained by his personal manager, Greg McDonald.