The family of one of the victims of a midair collision earlier this year near Washington, D.C., has filed a lawsuit alleging the disaster was avoidable.
The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Casey Crafton’s estate, led by his wife, Rachel.
The lawsuit alleges negligence in the crash that involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter colliding midair with an American Airlines passenger plane on January 29, as The Dallas Express reported at the time.
“Our lives were shattered in a moment,” said Dailey Crafton, Crafton’s brother, per Fox News. “Casey was betrayed by systemic disregard for safety. We cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain.”
The lawsuit alleges that American Airlines and PSA Airlines were negligent in their operational and training practices. It also alleges they knowingly permitted dangerous conditions at DCA.
Attorneys claim that American Airlines disregarded multiple near misses and congestion data.
“The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, preventable, and caused the needless loss of 67 lives… American ran red lights for years by allowing these planes to operate in congested, unsafe conditions,” said attorney Robert Clifford.
Legal action is also expected to be brought against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army for systemic failures in oversight, air traffic control, and military helicopter procedures.
Attorneys claim that the FAA facilitated unsafe operational environments and that the Army helicopter crew failed to follow basic safety protocols.
“The helicopter crew’s conduct was inexcusable,” said Brian Alexander, an attorney and former Army aviator. “Air traffic control completely failed in their duty as the lifeguards of our aviation system.”
As the first lawsuit related to the tragedy, the Crafton case is expected to serve as a guiding complaint for the families of other victims.
“Many of us have been asked whether we dread the idea of rehashing the worst days of our lives in court. Our answer today is clear: We’re ready,” said Doug Lane, who lost both his wife Christine and son Spencer in the crash.
“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.”