The widow of Casey Crafton, a passenger killed in the January 29 mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines, its subsidiary PSA Airlines, the U.S. Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges negligence on the part of all defendants, leading to the deaths of 67 individuals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/family-sues-army-faa-airlines-over-fatal-january-29-dc-air-collision-2025-09-24/?utm_source=openai))
The collision occurred when American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter conducting a nighttime training mission. Both aircraft subsequently crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in over two decades. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d176654f92a412942c15eafbb7b13e32?utm_source=openai))
The lawsuit contends that the airlines manipulated the airport’s arrival rate system, compromising safety margins. It also alleges that the Army and FAA failed to ensure safe aircraft separation and flight altitude compliance. The Army’s Black Hawk helicopter was reportedly flying above its authorized altitude when it collided with Flight 5342. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/family-sues-army-faa-airlines-over-fatal-january-29-dc-air-collision-2025-09-24/?utm_source=openai))
In response, American Airlines stated it will defend itself and emphasized its commitment to safety. The FAA and Army have not responded to the lawsuit. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/family-sues-army-faa-airlines-over-fatal-january-29-dc-air-collision-2025-09-24/?utm_source=openai))
Federal investigators at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a three-day hearing on the collision in August. The investigation revealed problems with the altimeters in the Army helicopter, which gave incorrect altitude readouts to the Black Hawk pilots. There were also serious concerns about numerous near misses at the airport that predated the crash. ([gpb.org](https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/09/24/first-lawsuit-filed-after-januarys-dca-passenger-jet-and-helicopter-midair?utm_source=openai))
Attorney Robert Clifford, representing the Crafton family, stated, “The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, it was preventable, and caused the needless loss of 67 lives on that fateful evening.” He argues that the airline did not adequately train its crew on how to safely navigate congestion around the airport and that its efforts to maximize the number of flights in and out of the airport amount to “corporate negligence.” ([gpb.org](https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/09/24/first-lawsuit-filed-after-januarys-dca-passenger-jet-and-helicopter-midair?utm_source=openai))
American Airlines countered, stating, “American has a strong track record of putting the safety of our customers and team members above everything else.” The company emphasized its commitment to safety and indicated it would defend against any legal action claiming the airline caused or contributed to the accident. ([gpb.org](https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/09/24/first-lawsuit-filed-after-januarys-dca-passenger-jet-and-helicopter-midair?utm_source=openai))
Several family members of other crash victims attended the press conference to show their support for the Crafton family. Doug Lane, whose wife and son died in the collision, stated, “We are here to see this process through, however long it takes, to ensure that our family members have a lasting legacy that makes the world safer for everyone who flies.” ([gpb.org](https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/09/24/first-lawsuit-filed-after-januarys-dca-passenger-jet-and-helicopter-midair?utm_source=openai))
The NTSB continues its investigation into the causes of the collision, with a final report expected next year. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2025/09/24/family-lawsuit-american-airlines-dca-crash/?utm_source=openai))