The family of one of the 67 victims killed in the tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and a United States Army helicopter earlier this year has taken a significant step towards seeking justice. On Wednesday, they filed a lawsuit against the government and the airlines involved, accusing them of ignoring critical warning signs after more than 30 documented near misses in the vicinity. This initial lawsuit is expected to be joined by at least 60 other lawsuits from families similarly affected by the deadliest U.S. plane crash since 2001.
The catastrophic event occurred on January 29, when Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, crashed. Among the plaintiffs is Rachel Crafton, the widow of Casey Crafton from Connecticut, who is now raising three young boys without their father. Crafton’s legal team represents a majority of families who lost loved ones in this horrific accident. In her statement, Rachel Crafton described her husband as a dedicated father and husband, stating, "We built a beautiful life together." She expressed deep frustration, noting that Casey, who was an aviation mechanic, felt betrayed by the very system he trusted.
Rachel Crafton emphasized the importance of holding American Airlines, PSA Airlines, the Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accountable, asserting that legal action is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future. "Today, we are taking legal action because the accountability of these entities is the only way to ensure this never happens again," she stated. Doug Lane, another family member who lost his wife and child in the crash, echoed her sentiments, expressing a collective commitment among the grieving families to transform their grief into action.
In response to the lawsuit, the FAA released a statement expressing their condolences to the families affected and reaffirming their commitment to working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to enhance safety. The FAA's statement highlighted the decisive actions taken by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA to improve safety measures in the airspace over the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, representatives from American Airlines and PSA Airlines stated their focus is on supporting the victims' families while maintaining the safety of their operations. They defended their conduct, asserting they would contest any claims suggesting they contributed to the accident. The airlines clarified that Flight 5342 was on a standard approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when the helicopter, which was flying above the established altitude, collided with it.
The NTSB has pointed out a range of factors that likely contributed to the crash, although the comprehensive report detailing the exact cause is not expected until next year. Investigators have noted that the Black Hawk helicopter was flying significantly above the 200-foot altitude limit. Even at the correct altitude, the designated flight route allowed for a mere 75 feet of separation between helicopters and landing planes. Faulty readings from the helicopter's altimeter and the FAA's failure to address a troubling pattern of near misses in the years preceding the incident have also been highlighted as critical issues.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the airlines neglected their responsibility to protect passengers by failing to adequately train pilots on managing helicopter traffic around Reagan Airport. Concerns regarding airline policies, which permitted pilots to accept alternative runways intersecting with helicopter routes, have also been raised as potential contributing factors to the crash.
Amid the ongoing grief, family members of those lost on Flight 5342 have united in their quest for answers. Bill and Renee Parente, parents of Anthony Parente, who tragically lost his life just months before his wedding, articulated their frustration, stating, "This crash didn’t have to happen." They are determined to ensure that such an event is prevented in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
The lawsuit represents not only a pursuit of justice for the victims but also a broader mission to improve air safety and prevent future tragedies. As the families continue to navigate their grief, they remain steadfast in their commitment to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy lead to meaningful changes in aviation safety.
