A tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter in Washington last month led to potential legal action.
According to the Washington Examiner, the family of Casey Crafton, who perished in the incident, has filed claims against the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army, seeking $250 million in damages.
The fatal crash, which claimed 67 lives in total, occurred on January 29 when the commercial aircraft was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Army helicopter was conducting a routine training mission at the time of the collision. This incident marks the first deadly commercial aviation crash in the United States since 2009 and stands as the deadliest domestic aviation disaster since November 2001.
Investigation reveals possible altitude discrepancy
National Transportation Safety Board officials have identified potential issues with the Army helicopter's altimeter readings. The Black Hawk helicopter was recorded at 278 feet during the collision, exceeding the maximum permitted altitude of 200 feet for helicopters along that specific Potomac River route.
Communications breakdown may have also played a role, as the helicopter crew possibly missed crucial instructions from air traffic control to position themselves behind the American Airlines aircraft.
Robert Clifford, the attorney representing Crafton's family, stated:
This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers as to what happened to their loved one.
The legal team has taken preemptive measures by requesting document preservation from multiple entities, including American Airlines, PSA Airlines, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Collins Aerospace. They are awaiting the NTSB's preliminary report before considering additional legal actions against other parties.
Legal process begins with six six-month evaluation period
The claims filed against the federal agencies initiate a mandatory six-month review period. Should the claims be rejected or remain unaddressed during this timeframe, the family may proceed with a formal lawsuit. This procedural step represents the first phase in what could become a significant legal battle over accountability for the deadly collision.
The incident has prompted thorough scrutiny of aviation safety protocols and communication procedures in the Washington DC airspace. Investigators are particularly focused on the technical aspects of the helicopter's altitude monitoring systems and the sequence of events leading to the tragic encounter.
Future developments await preliminary findings
The NTSB's eagerly anticipated preliminary report, expected by the end of February, will likely provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash. This report could significantly influence the direction of potential legal proceedings and may reveal additional factors that contributed to the disaster.
The fatal collision between an American Airlines Flight and the Army helicopter resulted in 64 passenger fatalities aboard the commercial aircraft and three deaths in the military helicopter. The incident occurred during the commercial flight's final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport while the Army helicopter was conducting training exercises.
As federal agencies review the $250 million damage claim, the aviation community awaits the NTSB's findings to understand how this tragedy unfolded and prevent similar incidents in the future.
