United States v. Causby
United States Supreme Court
328 U.S. 256 (1946)
Causby owned a chicken farm near a Greensboro, North Carolina airport. Starting in 1942, the United States began flying frequent military flights that passed less than 70 feet over Causby's house and farm. The noise and lights caused ongoing sleep deprivation and fear for Causby's family, killed 150 of his chickens, and forced him to close his business. The Court of Claims found the United States had taken an easement over the property and awarded Causby $2,000 for the easement and resulting damage. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Whether direct and immediate interference with the use and enjoyment of private land -- to the point of rendering it uninhabitable -- constitutes a taking of property under the Fifth Amendment.