Family of crash victim files $250 million claim against FAA and Army

On January 29, 2025, a mid-air collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people aboard both aircraft. This tragic incident has been described as the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in the past 25 years. Among the deceased was Casey Crafton, a Connecticut husband and father, whose family is now left to cope with the loss without him. In light of this incident, Clifford Law Offices has filed pre-case legal claims against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, seeking $250 million in compensation for the wrongful death of Crafton. The law firm’s actions have been taken under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which permits the family to seek damages from the federal government. The claims represent an initial step in a potentially lengthy legal process. Bob Clifford, the family's attorney, emphasized the need for justice, accountability, and answers regarding the circumstances that led to the collision. The claims against the FAA and the Army will require a response within six months, and if there is none, Clifford Law could proceed with filing lawsuits in federal court after that period. The family has chosen not to pursue claims against American Airlines or its subsidiaries as they await further results from the ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. This case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the disaster and the profound impact on the victim's family, particularly the three young children left fatherless and the widow, Rachel Crafton, who must now navigate life and family responsibilities without her partner. The traumatic implications of this event extend beyond the immediate families, as wider concerns regarding aviation safety and regulatory oversight in densely populated airspaces are brought to the forefront by legal advocates and the general public alike. With the formal claims process now initiated, the hope is that this tragedy can lead to critical changes in aviation policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.