Family Seeks Damages Following Plane Collision

A family is seeking damages from the Army and the Federal Aviation Administration following a terrible plane and helicopter collision in January that killed 67 people.

Key Takeaways

The Crafton family has filed $250 million in claims against the FAA and the U.S. Army.
A collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet resulted in 67 deaths.
The crash marks the first fatal commercial plane incident in the U.S. since 2009.
A six-month window exists for the government to respond to the claims.
NTSB investigates potential communication and altitude errors as crash factors.

The $250 Million in Legal Claims

The family of Casey Crafton has filed $250 in million claims against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army following a catastrophic collision. The tragic incident, involving a military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet, occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, resulting in 67 fatalities. This case has captivated national attention due to its severity and the substantial claims involved.

Allegations in the filing point to negligent coordination and inadequate safety protocols between military and civilian air operations. The Craftons’ legal team contends that these factors contributed significantly to the disaster, marking the first deadly commercial plane crash in the U.S. since 2009. The claim includes demands for $50 million for personal injury and $200 million for wrongful death damages.

Family of DC plane crash victim files $250 million claim against government https://t.co/8tEDAEvF4M

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 19, 2025

Investigation and Response

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the crash. The preliminary discussions center around potential communication failures and improper altitude management. Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chairman, noted potential missed radio transmissions and other altitude-related challenges. Meanwhile, the FAA and the U.S. Army remain silent, citing ongoing investigations to address the issue.

Attorney Robert Clifford highlights the necessity of regulatory changes to prevent such incidents. The focus is also on evidence preservation, with Clifford requesting American Airlines and related businesses safeguard pertinent data. There is a six-month period for the government to respond before federal lawsuits might be pursued.

Family’s Pursuit of Justice

Amidst grief, the Crafton family seeks to drive change within aviation safety. Casey Crafton, a beloved father and technical support manager, leaves behind a grieving family advocating for accountability and safety improvements. “Casey was an incredible human being. He was a giver. He was a loving husband and father. He will be missed forever,” remarked attorney Robert Clifford, emphasizing the case’s personal tragedy and broader implications.