Kenova couple sues airport authority for property damages

WAYNE -- A Kenova couple is suing Tri-State Airport after they claim it is responsible for damages done to their property.

Dane K. Beckett and Harriett M. Beckett own property that is below a wooded area the defendants own, according to a complaint filed June 16 in Wayne Circuit Court.

The Becketts claim during recent construction upon the defendant's property, a storm water drainage ditch was negligently constructed, which collected and diverted the natural flow of water from a portion of the airport's property and deposited it into the wooded area directly above the plaintiffs' home.

The collected and diverted runoff water caused the area at the outlet of the ditch to erode the wooded area, turning it into a landslide, according to the suit.

The Becketts claim due to the improper and negligent construction techniques by the defendant, the landslide developed above their home and has caused large amounts of mud and water to flow and build up around the property.

The defendant's negligence has caused severe damage to the plaintiffs' property and deprived them of must of the use and enjoyment of the property, according to the suit.

The Becketts claim the value of their property has diminished so dramatically by the potential landslide that regardless of what remedy the airport and airport authority proposes, it would be "virtually impossible to find someone to purchase their home."

Because of the defendant's negligence, Mr Beckett's home business has decline dramatically and threatened the couple's livelihood, according to the suit.

The Becketts are seeking compensatory damages. They are representing themselves.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James H. Young.

Wayne Circuit Court case number: 11-C-109