Widmyer v. Southeast Skyways, Inc.

An airplane owned by Southeast Skyways (defendant) crashed into the ocean near an Alaskan island, killing the pilot and three passengers. The passengers' estates (plaintiffs) sued Southeast and asked the trial court to instruct the jury that airlines owe passengers a duty of utmost care and vigilance; the trial court refused, and the jury found for Southeast. The plaintiffs appealed.

Whether common carriers may be held to a higher standard of care toward their passengers than the ordinary duty of reasonable care owed by one person to another.