The family of a passenger who died in the midair collision near Washington, D.C., has filed legal claims against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Army, seeking $250 million in compensation for each claim. These filings mark the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle following the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. in the past 25 years. The collision on January 29 resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers aboard the American Airlines jet and three servicemembers in the Blackhawk helicopter.
According to Robert Clifford, the attorney representing the family of Casey Crafton, this tragedy was entirely preventable. He emphasized that the accident was a result of multiple failures that came together on that particular night. Crafton was returning home to Salem, Connecticut, from a business trip when the crash occurred. He lived with his wife, Rachel, and their three young sons. Crafton, a graduate of Bob Jones University in aviation management, worked as a technical support manager for an aviation consulting firm. His family remembers him as a dedicated husband and father who actively coached his children’s youth sports teams.
Clifford Law Offices submitted two claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the FAA and the Army, each seeking $250 million on behalf of Rachel Crafton. Clifford explained that this amount represents a legal ceiling, as adjustments can be made downward but not upward. He pointed out that wrongful death claims involving significant loss, such as the death of a father of three, often reach high financial compensation levels.
So far, no legal action has been taken against American Airlines, PSA Airlines, Sikorsky Aircraft, or Collins Aerospace, though the firm has issued preservation letters to these entities. They are awaiting further findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) before determining additional claims.
Additionally, Clifford Law is investigating whether airlines operating near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport exhibited negligence. The NTSB has yet to determine an official cause for the crash, but Clifford believes airlines may have failed to implement adequate safety measures. The FAA and Army now have six months to respond to the claims. If they fail to do so or reject the claims, Clifford Law may proceed with lawsuits in federal court.
