The government has officially acknowledged that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army contributed to the circumstances that led to a fatal collision between a commercial airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter in January, resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals. This admission was made in response to the first lawsuit filed by one of the victims' relatives, which claims that the government is liable due to negligence, specifically noting that an air traffic controller did not adhere to established protocols that night.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the pilots of both the jet and the helicopter also played significant roles in the crash. Accusations have been leveled against American Airlines and its regional partner PSA Airlines, both of which are currently seeking to have the claims dismissed.
The horrific accident occurred when the helicopter collided with the American Airlines regional jet while it was in landing approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Virginia, adjacent to the Potomac River. Emergency recovery efforts managed to retrieve at least 28 victims from the frigid waters following the incident, which involved 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the airliner, as well as three soldiers in the helicopter.
Robert Clifford, representing the family of victim Casey Crafton, stated that they would diligently analyze the government’s new legal filings. He emphasized that the government has justly recognized its shared responsibility in the disastrous event as they continue to pursue full accountability. Clifford's legal team is also poised for additional insights from an upcoming NTSB hearing on January 26.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the pilots of both the jet and the helicopter also played significant roles in the crash. Accusations have been leveled against American Airlines and its regional partner PSA Airlines, both of which are currently seeking to have the claims dismissed.
The horrific accident occurred when the helicopter collided with the American Airlines regional jet while it was in landing approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Virginia, adjacent to the Potomac River. Emergency recovery efforts managed to retrieve at least 28 victims from the frigid waters following the incident, which involved 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the airliner, as well as three soldiers in the helicopter.
Robert Clifford, representing the family of victim Casey Crafton, stated that they would diligently analyze the government’s new legal filings. He emphasized that the government has justly recognized its shared responsibility in the disastrous event as they continue to pursue full accountability. Clifford's legal team is also poised for additional insights from an upcoming NTSB hearing on January 26.
