Additional Coverage:
- DC plane crash: Victim’s family seeks $250 million in first legal action since deadly collision (foxnews.com)
A Chicago law firm filed a $250 million lawsuit Tuesday stemming from the January 29th mid-air collision over the Potomac River. The suit is on behalf of the widow and three children of Casey Crafton, who died in the crash.
The collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter killed all 67 people on board both aircraft. Crafton, a 40-year-old from Salem, Connecticut, was returning from a business trip.
Attorney Bob Clifford described Crafton as a devoted husband and father who coached his sons’ youth sports teams. He emphasized the family’s grief and their need for answers.
Crafton worked as a technical support manager for an aviation consulting firm. He held a degree in aviation management.
The lawsuit targets both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army. It cites a report indicating unusual staffing levels and communication problems at Reagan National Airport’s control tower at the time of the accident.
The law firm also filed paperwork to preserve evidence related to the crash. The FAA declined to comment on the pending litigation. The Army has been contacted for comment.
Reports indicate the air traffic controller handling helicopters was also managing arriving and departing planes, duties typically assigned to two people. The tower has reportedly been understaffed for years.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated a commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly and ensuring safe training procedures. He called the crash “completely unacceptable.”