Family Sues Over Fatal Crash, Cites Ignored Near-Miss Reports

A major lawsuit has been filed over a deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C. The families of victims are suing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Army, and two airlines. They allege negligence after more than 30 documented near-misses in the area were ignored. The crash killed 67 people last January.

The collision involved an American Airlines regional flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. It was the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in over two decades. According to the Associated Press, this first lawsuit is expected to be joined by many other grieving families.

Lawsuit Alleges Systemic Failures Led to Tragedy

The legal action accuses the defendants of a catastrophic failure. It claims they neglected their duty to protect the traveling public. The lawsuit points to a known pattern of dangerous air traffic congestion around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Specifically, the FAA is criticized for not acting on controller concerns. These concerns about helicopter routes were raised years before the accident. The airlines, American and PSA, are accused of failing to adequately train pilots for these specific risks.

NTSB Investigation Reveals Critical Factors

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the crash investigation. Its preliminary findings have highlighted several contributing factors. The Army helicopter was flying significantly higher than the prescribed 200-foot altitude limit for its route.

Even at the correct altitude, the route offered minimal separation from landing planes. The NTSB also found issues with the helicopter’s altimeter readings. Furthermore, overworked air traffic controllers were managing tightly spaced landing patterns.

Turning Grief into a Push for Aviation Safety Reform

For the families, the lawsuit is about accountability and prevention. They have already begun advocating for stronger aviation safety laws. One father who lost his wife and son spoke about turning grief into action.

The victims included aspiring Olympic figure skaters, hunters, and construction workers. A tribute event raised over a million dollars for the families. The plaintiffs hope their legal action will force changes to prevent future tragedies.

The Washington D.C. plane crash lawsuit seeks to answer painful questions and drive essential safety reforms. The case underscores persistent concerns about air traffic management. Its outcome could significantly impact national aviation protocols.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the plane and helicopter to crash?

The official cause is still under investigation by the NTSB. Preliminary reports indicate the helicopter was flying too high and on a route with dangerously little separation from commercial flight paths.

Who is being sued by the families?

The lawsuit names the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Army, American Airlines, and its regional carrier, PSA Airlines. They are all accused of negligence.

How many people died in the accident?

The crash resulted in 67 fatalities. This included 63 people on the commercial flight and the three crew members aboard the Army helicopter.

What changes are families advocating for?

The families are pushing for congressional action on air safety reforms. They demand stricter oversight of the FAA and military flight operations near busy civilian airports.

Did air traffic controllers issue warnings?

Investigators say a controller warned the helicopter about the approaching plane. However, the pilots of the commercial flight did not receive a direct warning about the helicopter.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, Reuters