Stephanie Heath
Earlier this year, on January 29, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into an American Airlines flight. This crash resulted in the death of 64 passengers on the American Airlines flight and three on the Black Hawk. Now, families of the victims of this deadly crash are accusing American Airlines of negligence.
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The Details: Here are some key facts about the crash that occurred on January 29.
- The crash involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight.
- The two collided mid-air near the Ronald Regan Washington International Airport and over the Potomac River.
- The NY Post claimed it was “the worst US air disaster in more than two decades.”
Victims’ Families Accuse American Airlines Of Negligence
Now, families of the victims of this horrific crash are speaking out. Specifically, the NY Post shares that the family of Casey Crafton, one of the victims, has filed a lawsuit over the crash. Here are some of the details about the case.
- The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of “Casey Crafton’s estate, with his wife Rachel and family leading the legal action.”
- Crafton’s family is arguing that the disaster was avoidable and that it was caused by “systemic negligence.”
- In a statement, Crafton’s brother argued: “Casey was betrayed by systemic disregard for safety. We cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain.”
The Case Progresses: The case claims that the crash could have been prevented and that American Airlines knowingly allowed dangerous conditions. Thus, the lawsuit claims that the crash was “predictable and preventable.”
- Attorney Robert Clifford had this to say: ” American ran red lights for years by allowing these planes to operate in congested, unsafe conditions.”
In additon to enforcing legal action against American Airlines, the NY Post also shares that legal action will be taken against the U.S. government, “encompassing the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, air traffic control, and military helicopter procedures.”
Families Band Together
Before being able to sue the government, the families of the victims must file “separate Form 95 claims.” Attorneys have confirmed that nearly all of the victims’ families have done so. Additionally, Doug Lane, a man who lost his wife in the crash, argued that the victims’ families are banding together beautifully.
When speaking to the Post, he had this to say:
- “We have turned our grief into action,” he stated, regarding how the families have bonded together. “We’re ready. … 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.”
