Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Family Files Lawsuit After DC Midair Collision
In January, a plane and a helicopter crashed in the air near Washington D.C., sadly killing 67 people.
Now, the family of one of the people who died, Casey Crafton, has filed a lawsuit.
They are suing American Airlines, PSA Airlines (a regional airline), and the U.S. government.
The family says these groups were careless and responsible for the crash.
The lawsuit claims the airlines knew the area was dangerous.
It also points out the helicopter might have been flying too high.
American Airlines says the military is to blame but they support the ongoing investigation.
Casey Crafton's wife says her family is heartbroken.
The lawsuit aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The official cause of the crash hasn't been determined yet.
The family of Casey Crafton filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines and the federal government.
The suit is related to a midair collision in January near Washington DC, which resulted in 67 deaths.
The lawsuit claims negligence and alleges that the airlines knew the airspace had safety risks.
American Airlines stated the military is to blame but will defend itself in court.
The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the collision.
- Who
- The family of Casey Crafton, American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the federal government.
- What
- A lawsuit was filed after the January midair collision.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday.
- Where
- Near Washington DC, over the Potomac River.
- Why
- The suit alleges wrongful death and negligence.
Family Perspective
American Airlines' Perspective
Cause of the Collision
Family Perspective
The lawsuit alleges negligence by the airlines and the federal government.
American Airlines' Perspective
American Airlines stated the blame rests with the military.
- Event
- Midair collision between Army helicopter and American Eagle flight 5342
- Location
- Near Washington DC, over the Potomac River
- Date of Collision
- January
- Fatalities
- 67
- Parties Sued
- American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the federal government
- Plaintiff
- Family of Casey Crafton
- Lawsuit Allegations
- Wrongful death and negligence