Family of DC crash victim to sue government for $250 million

• The family of a man who died in the collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter is suing the FAA and the U.S. Army for $250 million. The firm filed pre-case documents Tuesday, Feb. 18.

• The NTSB’s preliminary findings suggest that the helicopter crew may have missed instructions from the tower due to a “keyed mic,” and air traffic control staffing was not normal on the night of the collision.

• Clifford Law Offices filed pre-case claims under the Federal Torts Claims Act. They represent the victim’s widow and children, seeking answers and compensation for their loss.

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The family of a man who died in the collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter is suing the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army for $250 million. The incident happened near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Clifford Law Offices, a Chicago-based law firm that specializes in aviation litigation, announced they had filed pre-case claims against the FAA and the Army on behalf of the children and widow of Casey Crafton. The Connecticut resident was a passenger on the airliner that collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people involved. 

The office on Tuesday, Feb. 18, filed a “Form 95,” which is the first step in suing the federal government under the Federal Torts Claims Act. It said in a statement that the $250 million claims are directed at multiple government agencies. They note that the Trump administration notified FAA employees that they were terminated on Friday, Feb. 14.

Crafton, a 40-year-old Salem, Conn. resident, leaves his wife, Rachel, and three sons. 

“Casey was an incredible human being. He was a giver. He was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed coaching his boys on their youth soccer and little league baseball teams. They will be grieving him for the rest of their lives that will never be the same,” Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the suit, said. “This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers as to what happened to their loved one.”

The National Transportation Safety Board released preliminary findings into the crash investigation on Feb. 14. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said flight recordings from the helicopter suggest the crew may have missed instruction from the tower to pass behind the jet as it approached the airport to land due to a “keyed mic.”

A preliminary safety report from the FAA found that air traffic control staffing was “not normal” on the night of the collision. They note that one person was handling duties typically done by two people. 

The FAA told multiple news outlets on Tuesday that they do not comment on pending litigation.