Family Seeks $250M Claims Against FAA and Army After D.C. Plane Crash Tragedy
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The family of a victim of the tragic midair plane crash in Washington D.C. has taken legal action by filing claims against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army. The grieving family of Casey Crafton, a 40-year-old father of three from Salem, Conn., is seeking $250 million in compensation from each of the claims, as disclosed in a press release by the Chicago-based Clifford Law Office on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Casey Crafton was one of the unfortunate 67 individuals who lost their lives when American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to the law office. Casey, who held a degree in aviation management from Bob Jones University, was on his way back from a business trip in Wichita when the tragic crash occurred. He served as a technical support manager at the aviation consulting firm Guardian Jet. Left behind by Casey are his wife Rachel, with whom he shared a 16-year marriage, and their three young sons, revealed Clifford Law Offices.
The legal representatives of Casey’s family have initiated the legal process by filing two necessary forms under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against both the FAA and the Army. Each claim seeks $250 million in damages, as outlined in the press release. The U.S. government is reported to have a six-month period to respond to these claims. Lawyer Robert A. Clifford expressed, “Casey was an incredible human being. He was a giver, a loving husband, and father. His family will mourn his loss for the rest of their lives, which will never be the same.”
Clifford further indicated, “This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers regarding the circumstances surrounding their beloved’s tragic fate.” The legal representative also criticised the aviation system, alleging that the crash was preventable and that necessary precautions were not taken by airlines operating in and out of D.C. on the night of the incident. The FAA declined to comment on the ongoing legal matters, while responses from Clifford Law Office and the Army to PEOPLE’s request for statements are awaited.
Clifford Law Offices has also announced the commencement of an investigation into potential allegations of negligence by the involved airlines for the persistent congestion of commercial aircraft and helicopters in the airspace near Reagan National Airport. Letters have been sent to American Airlines, its regional carrier PSA, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Collins Aerospace to preserve all relevant evidence related to the midair collision. Noting that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlighted staffing issues and communication lapses in the air traffic control tower at the time of the collision, the law firm aims to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
In a bid for justice, the Crafton family aims to shed light on the alarming lapses that led to the devastating loss of Casey and 66 others. The legal battle waged by the family serves as a poignant reminder of the immense toll of such aviation tragedies and the pursuit of accountability amidst the grief and sorrow endured by the loved ones left behind.
As the investigation unfolds and legal proceedings progress, the Crafton family remains resolute in their quest for answers and accountability. The tragic incident has sparked a call for enhanced safety measures and oversight in aviation to prevent such catastrophic events from recurring in the future. The legal action taken by the family stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to honouring Casey’s memory and seeking justice for his untimely departure.