The family of Casey Crafton, one of the 67 victims in last month’s midair collision over the Potomac River, has filed a $250 million claim against the U.S. Army and the Federal Aviation Administration, alleging negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The January 29 crash involved a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision resulted in the deaths of 60 passengers, four crew members, and three Army soldiers.
The claim, filed on behalf of 40-year-old Casey Crafton, argues that the helicopter pilots failed to hear or respond appropriately to air traffic controllers’ directions.
It also raises questions about why the airline crew did not react to traffic collision alerts and whether staffing levels at the air traffic control tower played a role in the crash.
Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifton Law Firm, which represents Crafton’s family, stated that the purpose of the claim is to get answers.
She noted that there were likely multiple entities aware of potential problems who failed to take action to prevent the disaster. Crafton, a father of three young boys, was traveling for work when the accident occurred.
This case is among the first legal actions following the crash, and experts anticipate a lengthy court battle.
The lawsuit also highlights broader concerns about airspace congestion at Reagan National Airport and how military helicopters are permitted to operate near civilian air traffic. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for aviation safety and air traffic management in high-traffic areas.
