First Federal Lawsuit Filed in DC Midair Collision Over Potomac River

First Federal Lawsuit Filed

• 📌 The widow of passenger Casey Crafton has filed the first federal lawsuit following the deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport on January 29th.
• ⚖️ The lawsuit, naming American Airlines, PSR Airlines, and the US federal government, alleges wrongful death and negligence.

Allegations Against American Airlines

• ⚠️ The lawsuit claims American Airlines abused the arrival rate system at Reagan National Airport, increasing flights per hour despite knowing the safety risks.
• ✈️ It's alleged that American Airlines was aware of a massive number of near misses but continued to expose passengers to danger to maximize operations.

Claims Against Government Entities

• 🚁 The lawsuit asserts that the Army helicopter was flying too high and that pilots of both aircraft failed in their responsibility to see and avoid each other.
• 🏢 The lawsuit also faults the US government for allowing the congested airspace to exist and for the conduct of air traffic controllers.

Responses and Investigations

• 🗣️ American Airlines stated they support the NTSB investigation and will defend against legal action, asserting the Army helicopter was above its published altitude.
• 🚫 The US Army declined to comment, citing respect for the families and the ongoing investigation.
• ✈️ The FAA expressed condolences and highlighted actions taken to improve safety in the capital's airspace, including eliminating helicopter traffic near Reagan National.
• 🔍 The NTSB has not yet established probable cause, with a final report expected early next year.

Safety Improvements

• 🚫 Military helicopters are now banned from flying over the Reagan National Airport area, a measure implemented after the accident.
• ⚠️ The incident tragically highlighted the potential dangers of the previously congested airspace and the frequent presence of helicopters.