In a significant turn of events, the U.S. government acknowledged on Wednesday that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army played a role in the tragic collision between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter last January, which led to the deaths of 67 individuals. The admission comes in response to the first lawsuit filed by victims' families, which highlights procedural violations by air traffic controllers during the incident.
The lawsuit also implicates the airline involved, American Airlines, along with its regional partner, PSA Airlines, although both companies are seeking to dismiss the claims against them. The harrowing accident took place as the helicopter entered the flight path of the landing regional jet at Ronald Reagan National Airport, leading to the crash and the subsequent recovery of at least 28 bodies from the Potomac River.
Robert Clifford, an attorney representing the family of one victim, Casey Crafton, stated that the families will closely review the government's new legal filings. He emphasized the need for comprehensive accountability regarding the crash, pledging to continue investigating all responsible parties as additional findings are anticipated from an upcoming NTSB hearing.
The lawsuit also implicates the airline involved, American Airlines, along with its regional partner, PSA Airlines, although both companies are seeking to dismiss the claims against them. The harrowing accident took place as the helicopter entered the flight path of the landing regional jet at Ronald Reagan National Airport, leading to the crash and the subsequent recovery of at least 28 bodies from the Potomac River.
Robert Clifford, an attorney representing the family of one victim, Casey Crafton, stated that the families will closely review the government's new legal filings. He emphasized the need for comprehensive accountability regarding the crash, pledging to continue investigating all responsible parties as additional findings are anticipated from an upcoming NTSB hearing.
