5502 - Damage to persons and property on ground.
§ 5502. Damage to persons and property on ground. (a) General rule.--The owner and the pilot, or either of them, of an aircraft which is operated over the lands or waters of this Commonwealth shall be liable for injuries or damage to persons or property on or over the land or water beneath, caused by the ascent, descent or flight of aircraft or the dropping or falling of any object therefrom in accordance with the law applicable to torts on land in this Commonwealth. (b) Definition.--As used in this section the word "owner" includes a person having full title to aircraft and operating it through agents and also includes a bona fide lessee or bailee of the aircraft whether gratuitously or for hire. It does not include a bona fide bailor or lessor of the aircraft, whether gratuitously or for hire, or a mortgagee, secured party, trustee for creditors of the aircraft or other persons having a security title only. The owner of the aircraft shall not be liable when the pilot of the aircraft is in possession thereof as a result of theft or felonious conversion. The person in whose name an aircraft is registered with the United States Department of Transportation is prima facie the owner of the aircraft within the meaning of this section.