Family Files $250 Million in Legal Claims Following Plane Crash Near D.C.

A lawsuit filed against the FAA and U.S. Army by a family grieving a loved one underscores the criticality of airspace safety and accountability.

Quick Takes

A family has filed $250 million in claims for negligence by the FAA and Army.
A plane and helicopter collision near Washington, D.C. resulted in 67 fatalities, including Casey Crafton.
The FAA and Army face scrutiny over potential safety protocol lapses.
This legal action signals a demand for stricter air traffic control policies.

A Devastating Incident

The legal claims following the tragic collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet highlight disturbing allegations of negligence. On January 29, this incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport claimed 67 lives, marking the deadliest plane crash in the U.S. since New York City’s 2001 disaster. The case posits that the FAA and U.S. Army failed to protect civilian aircraft, resulting in the collision that took Casey Crafton’s life. Crafton, a father of three, leaves behind a family grappling with immense grief.

The legal action, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, sets forth claims of $50 million for personal injury and $200 million for wrongful death. This legal move places pressure on the government to respond within six months or face potential federal court lawsuits. The claims bring attention to allegations including understaffing at air traffic control, a helicopter flying above approved altitude, and communication failures.

Victim's family files $250M in legal claims against FAA, Army over DC aircraft crash https://t.co/hyGrPUCclx

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 19, 2025

Demand for Investigation

Casey Crafton’s family and their legal team, led by attorney Robert Clifford, have called for a detailed investigation. They emphasize that this tragedy was “a disaster waiting to happen,” as Clifford described. The lawsuit targets the perceived congestion and lack of safety coordination between commercial and military aircraft around Washington, D.C. Airport.

Clifford Law has urged related companies to preserve evidence pending further investigation, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts its inquiry. They anticipate a preliminary report in 30 days, with a final report likely spanning over a year. NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy highlighted missed radio communications and potential altitude issues as factors contributing to the crash.

Lessons and Expectations

The implications of this tragedy reach beyond the immediate legalities. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous airspace safety standards and thorough investigations. As the FAA and the U.S. Army face this scrutiny, they express condolences but refrain from commenting on the claims due to the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the aviation community is left pondering the broader implications of a crash not seen since the tragic event of 2009.

The case underscores the need for comprehensive regulatory improvements in aviation safety governance, addressing both civilian and military airspace activities. As the family of Casey Crafton moves forward with their claim, their fight emphasizes the devastating impact this crash has had on the nation.