Family sues airlines and government after tragic plane crash in D.C
- A plane crash in January 2025 led to the deaths of 67 people when an American Airlines plane collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C.
- The family of victim Casey Crafton filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, PSA Airlines, the FAA, and the Army, holding them accountable for the tragedy.
- The legal action highlights serious concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In January 2025, a horrific midair collision over Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals aboard an American Airlines regional jet, Flight 5342, and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The aircraft collided as the jet was approaching Reagan National Airport. The family of Casey Crafton, one of the victims, announced a federal lawsuit demanding accountability from the airlines and the federal agencies responsible for air traffic control at the time of the accident. Their actions form part of broader grief experienced by multiple families who lost loved ones, prompting calls for investigations into aviation safety protocols. Rachel Crafton, the widow of Casey Crafton, indicated that her husband had trusted the aviation system, only to be let down when the crash occurred. The lawsuit cites systematic failures and negligence on the part of the airlines and the FAA, emphasizing a pressing need for improved safety measures. The family seeks to remind both the industry and the government of their duties to ensure passenger safety, stating that their legal battle aims to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again in the future. Investigations revealed that the helicopter was operating at an altitude above the published route, suggesting that pilot training may not have adequately addressed the risks associated with congested airspace around Washington D.C. The FAA has also been scrutinized for failing to recognize patterns of near misses in prior years and for their apparent disregard for helicopter traffic concerns in the area. Lawyers handling the case mentioned that accountability and policy changes are needed to avoid future accidents. The families involved express a determination not to remain silent, and their lawsuit is a critical step toward ensuring that aviation safety regulations are revised. Statements from American Airlines and the Army highlight their commitment to supporting the affected families while also asserting their operational safety records. Both entities have chosen not to comment specifically on the ongoing litigation in a public forum.