American Airlines accused of ‘running red lights’ before horrific Potomac River plane crash near DC

The family of Casey Crafton has initiated the first legal action concerning the American Eagle Flight 5342 incident that took place in the Potomac River close to Washington, D.C. They argue that the tragedy could have been avoided and was the result of widespread negligence.

The incident on January 29 involved a midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger flight near Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 64 individuals on the American Eagle flight and three military personnel aboard the helicopter.

A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Casey Crafton’s estate, spearheaded by his wife, Rachel Crafton, and their family.

“Our lives changed in an instant,” declared Dailey Crafton, Casey’s brother. “Casey’s life was lost due to a systemic neglect of safety protocols. We won’t allow his death to be in vain.”

The lawsuit asserts that both American Airlines and PSA Airlines exhibited negligence regarding their operational practices, training processes, and allowed perilous conditions to persist at DCA, asserting that the crash was both foreseeable and preventable.

According to attorneys, American Airlines purportedly overlooked numerous instances of near accidents and congestion reports, placing profit above passenger safety.

“The crash of American Eagle 5342 was something we could have anticipated and a preventable incident that led to the unnecessary loss of 67 lives,” stated attorney Robert Clifford. “American essentially ignored red flags for years by permitting these aircraft to operate in dangerously crowded conditions.”

Additional legal action will also be directed at the U.S. government, covering the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army, in relation to systemic oversight failures, air traffic control, and procedural issues surrounding military helicopters.

Attorneys have claimed that the FAA did not ensure safe air traffic control and tolerated unsafe operational settings, while the crew of the Army helicopter neglected fundamental flight principles of “see and avoid.”

“The conduct of the helicopter crew is indefensible,” commented Brian Alexander, an attorney and former Army aviator. “Air traffic control utterly failed in their role as the guardians of aviation safety.”

Before legal action against the government can proceed, families are required to submit separate Form 95 claims, which attorneys indicated have already been filed by nearly all families of the victims.

The Crafton lawsuit is anticipated to set a precedent for other victims’ families, who are likely to file similar cases in federal court.

Doug Lane, who lost both his wife, Christine, and son, Spencer, in the tragedy, mentioned that over 120 family members have united to “forge something both beautiful and powerful.”

“We bolster each other during birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and weddings that were planned but never materialized,” Lane shared. “Little League events and figure skating seasons commenced without coaches, competitors, and parents in the stands.”

He further added that the group has turned their sorrow into concerted action.

“We’ve partnered with Congress to push for vital reforms in air safety. We have initiated essential oversight investigations into the FAA, and we will not relent until similar efforts are undertaken concerning the U.S. Army,” Lane remarked. “We will pursue this with the same fervor as we seek accountability through the legal venues available to us.

“Many have inquired whether we are daunted by the prospect of revisiting the darkest moments of our lives in court. We have a clear answer: We are prepared. We are committed to seeing this through, no matter how long it takes, to ensure that our lost family members leave behind a legacy that enhances safety for everyone who flies.”

The lawsuit seeks not only monetary compensation but also legislative reforms regarding air safety standards.

Neither American Airlines, the FAA, nor the U.S. Army has provided immediate responses to inquiries from Fox News Digital.