The U.S. government acknowledged on Wednesday that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army were involved in the January collision between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals, marking the deadliest crash on U.S. soil in over twenty years.
According to the response to the initial lawsuit filed by a victim’s family, the government accepted partial liability for the crash due to the air traffic controller’s procedural violation that night. The filing also pointed out that the Army helicopter pilots’ failure to remain vigilant and avoid the airline jet contributed to the incident, making the government accountable.
While the lawsuit also implicated American Airlines and its partner, PSA Airlines, in the crash, these airlines have sought dismissal of the claims. The government refuted any allegations of negligence by air traffic controllers or officials from the FAA or Army.
Following the collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport, where the helicopter crossed paths with the American Airlines jet, resulting in 28 bodies recovered from the Potomac River, the victims included 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the jet, along with three soldiers on the helicopter.
Attorney Robert Clifford, representing the family of victim Casey Crafton, highlighted the government’s acknowledgment of the Army’s responsibility and the FAA’s failure to adhere to air traffic control procedures, while also attributing some responsibility to American Airlines and PSA Airlines. The families of the victims continue to mourn the tragic loss.
The government’s legal team admitted in the filing that the U.S. breached its duty of care towards the plaintiffs, leading to the fatal accident. American Airlines refrained from commenting on the filing but emphasized that the appropriate legal action should be directed towards the government, as the airline has been supporting the victims’ families post the crash.
The lawsuit raised concerns about the airlines’ failure to mitigate risks when flying near helicopters around Washington, D.C., as well as inadequate training for pilots in handling such situations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to release its report on the crash’s cause early next year, with investigators already identifying various factors contributing to the collision.
The NTSB highlighted the helicopter flying above the designated altitude limit and the FAA’s failure to address risks around the busy airport despite previous near-miss incidents. The government’s filing acknowledged prior near-miss events involving Army-operated Black Hawk helicopters and aircraft around Washington.