SHORT TAKES : ‘Delta Force’ Deaths Bring Suits

The families of six crew members killed or injured when a helicopter crashed on the set of “Delta Force II--Stranglehold” have sued Cannon Films, maker of the action-adventure film. The May, 1989, crash occurred near Tagaytay City in the Philippines during production of the Chuck Norris movie. Norris’ brother, Aaron, one of the film’s directors, also is named in the suits, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The suits alleged that helicopter pilot Jo Jo Imperial, who died in the crash, was unqualified to maneuver the craft while it was used in conjunction with explosives and firearms.

Cannon Films officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

One of the suits was filed by John Ryan, who was injured in the crash, along with the family of Gadi Danzig, who died in the accident. The other was filed by Ramy Simantov and Mateo Gomez, who were both injured, along with the families of Geoffery Brewer and Michael Graham, who died.