Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker is suing the companies linked to a plane that crashed in South Carolina, injuring him and killing four people.

Barker and his musical partner DJ AM both escaped with burns after their Learjet careered off a runway last September.

In the lawsuit, Barker claims the plane’s owners Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and an airplane maintenance company, improperly operated and maintained the aircraft.

He alleges that the Learjet was "defective" and claims the plane's pilots, who both died in the crash, should have attempted to take off instead of carrying down the runway.

Barker, who is seeking more than $25,000 in compensation, is also suing for “pain and suffering”.

The aeroplane crash also killed the drummer's assistant, Chris Baker, and bodyguard, Charles Still.

Still’s mother, Thelma Martin, is suing the companies for funeral expenses and loss of earnings, according to the Associated Press.

Goodyear spokesman Ed Markey told the agency that it was "unfortunate" the lawsuit had been filed before the final crash investigation report had been published.

As previously reported, Barker confirmed this week that he has returned to the studio for the first time since the accident.

There are also reports of a reunion involving his former band, Blink-182.

(by Jason Gregory)