The family of Casey Crafton, a Connecticut resident who perished in the tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last month, has initiated legal action against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army. The claims, totaling $250 million, allege negligence on the part of both agencies leading to the fatal accident.
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700 en route from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during its approach to Reagan National Airport. The catastrophic event resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft, including Crafton, a 40-year-old husband and father of three from Salem, Connecticut.
Represented by Clifford Law Offices, the Crafton family filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act, a necessary step before pursuing a lawsuit against federal entities. The government now has six months to respond to these claims. Attorney Robert A. Clifford emphasized the family’s pursuit of accountability, stating, “The family seeks answers to what was a preventable crash.”
Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have highlighted several critical factors that may have contributed to the collision. Reports indicate that the air traffic control tower at Reagan National was understaffed at the time of the incident, with a single controller managing multiple responsibilities. Additionally, there were communication lapses; crucial instructions from air traffic control were not received by the helicopter crew, possibly due to muffled transmissions. Discrepancies in altitude readings and the helicopter operating above its authorized altitude are also under scrutiny.
The congested and complex airspace surrounding Reagan National Airport, often referred to as “helicopter alley,” presents unique challenges for both pilots and controllers. This incident has intensified discussions about air traffic controller workloads, FAA staffing practices, and the protocols governing military and civilian aircraft operations in shared airspace.
As the investigation progresses, the Crafton family, along with other victims’ families, awaits a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to this tragedy. The outcome of these legal actions may prompt significant changes in aviation safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
Sources:
- Family of father of 3 killed in DC plane crash seeking $250M in first legal action against FAA, Army
- Family of CT man killed in D.C. plane crash files $250 million claim against FAA, Army
- Family of ‘Incredible’ Father of 3 Who Died in D.C. Plane Crash Files $250M Claims Against the FAA and Army
- Victim’s family files $250M in legal claims against FAA, Army over DC aircraft crash
- What caused DC plane crash? Some transmissions not received by helicopter crew, investigators say
