What legal principle holds that an aircraft operator is strictly liable for damages caused by an accident?

The principle of strict liability establishes that an aircraft operator is responsible for damages resulting from an accident regardless of fault. This means that even if the operator took all necessary precautions and was not negligent, they can still be held liable for any harm caused by their aircraft. This legal doctrine is pivotal in aviation law as it ensures that victims of aviation accidents receive compensation without the burden of proving that the operator was negligent.

Strict liability in aviation often applies to cases involving incidents like crashes or injuries occurring due to aircraft operations, reinforcing public safety and accountability within the industry. It encourages aircraft operators to maintain high safety standards, knowing that they are liable for any accidents that occur while their aircraft is in operation.

In contrast, limited liability involves restricting the amount of liability to a certain extent, which does not apply here. Vicarious liability relates to holding one party liable for the actions of another, usually in employer-employee relationships, and does not pertain specifically to strict operator responsibility. Negligence requires proof of a failure to act with reasonable care, which is not a requirement under strict liability.