In a significant development, the U.S. government admitted on Wednesday that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army played pivotal roles in a tragic collision that occurred last January, involving an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals. The admission stems from the first lawsuit filed by a victim's family, which argued that the government is liable for the crash, partially due to air traffic controller lapses in following safety procedures that night.
The lawsuit suggests that other parties, including the pilots of both the jet and the helicopter, contributed to the collision. Airlines involved, such as American Airlines and its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, have sought to dismiss claims against them.
The incident saw at least 28 bodies recovered from the icy depths of the Potomac River, where the helicopter had crossed paths with the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Black Hawk had three soldiers on board.
One of the attorneys representing the family of victim Casey Crafton, Robert Clifford, noted that the government's acknowledgment of shared responsibility is a positive step. He emphasized the necessity of holding all parties accountable, including investigating further into the events leading up to the collision, as families await the outcomes of an NTSB hearing scheduled for January 26.
The lawsuit suggests that other parties, including the pilots of both the jet and the helicopter, contributed to the collision. Airlines involved, such as American Airlines and its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, have sought to dismiss claims against them.
The incident saw at least 28 bodies recovered from the icy depths of the Potomac River, where the helicopter had crossed paths with the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Black Hawk had three soldiers on board.
One of the attorneys representing the family of victim Casey Crafton, Robert Clifford, noted that the government's acknowledgment of shared responsibility is a positive step. He emphasized the necessity of holding all parties accountable, including investigating further into the events leading up to the collision, as families await the outcomes of an NTSB hearing scheduled for January 26.
