CMGI Head Sues Over Airplane Problems

ANDOVER, Mass. —  CMGI Inc. Chief Executive David Wetherell has filed a lawsuit against General Electric Co. and Bombardier Inc., alleging that an airplane and engines made by the companies were defective.

Wetherell bought a $23-million Challenger 604 airplane in February that suffered engine failure twice, according to the July complaint.

Wetherell is seeking a refund for the plane and for expenses, such as alternative transportation and attorney’s fees, according to a letter Wetherell’s attorney sent to Bombardier, which made the plane. General Electric made the plane’s engines.

“I think that no person, regardless of how much money they spend on a plane, should accept a product like this that isn’t safe,” said David Bunis, an attorney at Dwyer & Collora in Boston who represents Wetherell. CMGI is an Internet venture company.

The first incident happened April 1 while Wetherell was flying to Massachusetts from the Virgin Islands, the letter said. The pilot made an emergency landing in Islip, N.Y. Wetherell was assured the plane was safe to fly after a GE representative ordered repairs, the letter said.

The second failure happened on May 11 during a cross-country flight. The plane made an emergency landing in Chicago.

Wetherell has not used the plane since, the letter said .

Bunis said Wetherell hasn’t received a formal response from GE or Bombardier.

Officials at the two firms weren’t available for comment.