Family of victim in fatal Army helicopter-American Airlines crash over DC skies sues both parties

The family of one of the victims in January's collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter sued the federal government Wednesday, along with the airline, for the death of their loved one.

The fatal crash on Jan. 29 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, outside of Washington, D.C., killed all 67 people on board both aircraft, including three people on the helicopter. 

The family of American Airlines passenger Casey Crafton filed the lawsuit in the D.C. District Court, seeking reimbursement of funeral expenses and damages for “profound emotional and psychological loss," according to The Hill newspaper.

The report does not state how much money the family is seeking. 

The family also highlighted multiple "missteps" that it believes make the airline and the federal government responsible. The alleged missteps include the helicopter flying 78 feet higher than the 200-foot altitude limit on its route, which was discovered by the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigators.

The NTSB is expected to have its final report out early next year. 

“While the Department of Justice does not typically comment on ongoing litigation, this lawsuit arises out of a local and national tragedy in which 67 people lost their lives right here in the Nation’s capital,” Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said in a statement. “Our hearts continue to be with the families. The Department will pursue a just resolution of this matter that follows the facts, the law, and provides fair compensation to the victims of this tragedy.”

American Airlines said that although it will continue supporting the family members of the flight's victims, it will defend itself against “any legal action claiming the airline caused or contributed to this accident.”  

"Aviation safety requires multiple layers of compliance with detailed procedures, restrictions and operational standards across the full range of pilots and air traffic controllers," the airline said. "Together, these layers have made the U.S. aviation industry the safest in the world."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.