Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall

Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A., a Colombian corporation (the defendant), is in the business of providing helicopter transportation for oil and construction companies throughout South America. The defendant contracted with Consorcio, a Peruvian joint venture founded by Texans, to assist in the construction of a pipeline. Negotiations occurred in Texas, and the result was a contract that included a provision that required all lawsuits arising out of the transaction to be tried in Peruvian courts. Additionally, the defendant purchased around 80% of its helicopter fleet from another company named Bell Helicopter, based in Texas. The defendant paid $4 million to Bell for the equipment. Additionally, the defendant sent potential pilots to receive flight training from Bell Helicopter. In January 1976, a helicopter owned by the defendant crashed and killed four United States citizens. Hall and representatives of the four decedents (the plaintiffs) brought a wrongful death suit in a district court in Texas. The defendant made a special appearance to argue a lack of personal jurisdiction.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled that Texas had personal jurisdiction. Subsequently, the defendant petitioned for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, and the case was granted review.