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On the evening of January 29, 2025, an American Airlines regional jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 8:58 p.m. EST. The 64 people aboard the jet and the three soldiers in the helicopter lost their lives. This crash is the deadliest aviation accident in the United States in 24 years.

People who lost family members and loved ones in this collision will be looking for answers about the cause of the crash. Surviving family members will have the right to file wrongful death lawsuits related to this aviation accident. No amount of money will be adequate compensation for the tragic loss of life. However, filing a lawsuit can bring a sense of justice and accountability for those who lost a loved one. 

Washington DC Plane Crash Lawsuit Updates

February 5, 2025: All Victims of Midair Collision Have Been Recovered

After tireless efforts from USACE, the Navy, and local fire and police crews, all of the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 and Black Hawk helicopter have been recovered. Recovery crews have been working in the icy Potomac River since the crash occurred on January 29. Of the 67 people recovered, 66 have been positively identified. Recovery efforts now focus on the plane and helicopter. On February 4, the cockpit and front cabin had been recovered.

February 2, 2025: Statements Made By Government Officials May Be Valuable Evidence As Victims’ Families Start Filing Lawsuits

Surviving family members of the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 collision are in the beginning stages of filing lawsuits. Those lawsuits may be filed against U.S. Government government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration. American Airlines is another potential defendant. Attorneys filing these cases may use statements made by government officials and President Trump as proof of the government’s liability in the case. In a Truth Social Post the President posted on January 31, he admitted the helicopter was flying above its mandated 200-foot altitude. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the collision was “absolutely” preventable in statements he made at a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. These statements may be important as lawyers work to establish liability in this horrific aviation accident.

January 31, 2025: Early FAA Report Suggests Air Traffic Control Was Short-staffed and Helicopter Strayed From Planned Route

The New York Times has obtained a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration that suggests there may have been multiple factors that led to the collision of the Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines plane above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to the report, the Black Hawk may have strayed from its approved flight path. Additionally, there was one air traffic controller doing the job of two controllers. That controller was communicating with helicopters and planes. The report says a supervisor approved one of the controllers to leave their shift early. It is likely this tragedy was caused by multiple failures. Lawsuits filed related to this tragedy could list multiple defendants, as the liability may be shared by multiple parties.

January 30, 2025: Mid-Air Collision Near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Claims 67 Lives

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, a midair collision occurred in Washington D.C. when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. There were no survivors from either aircraft. Recovery efforts began immediately, but have been complicated by the difficult location in the Potomac River and challenging conditions at the crash site. The NTSB is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the plane crash.

About the Washington DC Plane Crash Lawsuit:

About the Plane Crash in Washington DC

The events leading up to the crash between the Army Black Hawk helicopter and the American Airlines passenger plane are still being investigated. However, information about the crash is emerging. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has stated the jet was experiencing a normal landing when the Black Hawk flew into its path. An army official has said the three soldiers were taking part in a training flight. It is now known that the Black Hawk helicopter was likely flying more than 100 feet above its mandated altitude and veered of its approved flight path. However, data from the plane’s black box shows the plane collided with the helicopter at an altitude of 325 feet. Investigators are working to understand this discrepancy.

The collision occurred around 9 p.m. as the plane approached Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during clear conditions. After the collision, the plane and helicopter lost altitude and landed in the Potomac River near the airport. The plane had broken into three pieces and was found upside down in waist-deep water.

Flight and Aircraft Information

The plane involved in the crash was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. The plane, American Airlines flight 5342, left the Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29. The plane was a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 with a twin-engine jet operated by PSA Airlines. The aircraft was manufactured in 2004 and could carry up to 70 passengers. 

The helicopter involved in the crash was a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk with a twin engine. The H-60 is described as a utility tactical transport helicopter designed to carry up to 14 people. There were three military personnel aboard at the time of the crash. The Black Hawk involved in this collision was participating in a routine military training exercise. The helicopter had departed Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 15 miles southwest of the Reagan Airport. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said the Black Hawk was on an annual proficiency training flight and had an experienced crew with night-vision goggles.

About the People on Board

The passengers included teen figure skating professionals and their families, a college student who had just attended her grandfather’s funeral, two Chinese nationals, an equipment inspector from the Philippines, a group of friends who had attended a guided hunting trip in Kansas through Fowl Plains hunting service, and others who were leaving or visiting the Wichita area.

Around 14 of the people aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 were figure skating professionals, coaches, and family members. These passengers were in Wichita for a training camp held after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. According to a statement from U.S. Figure Skating, athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held after the competition. 

As of February 4, 2025, all 67 of the victims have been recovered from the Potomac River. This recovery was made possible by members of the U.S. army corps of engineers, U.S. Navy dive teams, and Washington DC police and fire crews. On Sunday, February 2, victims’ families gathered near the site of the crash in remembrance of their lost ones. Cold water temperatures are hindering recovery efforts conducted by the dive teams. One diver was hospitalized for hypothermia.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision

According to statements from government officials, the plane was traveling at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour as it approached Runway 33 on the evening of January 29. The collision occurred around 9 p.m. right outside of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Both aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the Potomac River. The plane was found upside down and in three pieces. Wreckage from the helicopter was also found in the river.

Here is a timeline of events leading up to the crash:

  • 5:18 p.m. – American Airlines Flight 5342 leaves Wichita, Kansas
  • 8:39 p.m. – Army UH-60 helicopter leaves Fort Belvoir, Virginia
  • 8:40 p.m. – Flight 5342 begins its approach to Reagan National’s Runway 33 
  • 8:48 p.m. – Air traffic control radios the Black Hawk asking if they have seen and accounted for the plane.
  • 8:48 p.m. – Flight 5342 and the helicopter collide over the Potomac at an altitude of about 300 feet

This infographic shows a timeline of the plane crash in Washington D.C. on January 29, 2025.

The Aftermath of the Plane Crash and Emergency Response

After the collision, at least 300 first responders arrived at the scene and began searching the frigid waters of the Potomac River for survivors. The rescue effort reached as far south as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the airport.

In a press conference on January 30, 2025, Chief John Donnelly of Washington DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said they were not expecting to recover survivors and would be switching the efforts to a recovery effort. He shared that, “We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”

Officials are hopeful they can recover the bodies of those lost and bring some closure to families after this terrible tragedy.

What Caused the Washington DC Plane Crash?

Investigators from local and federal departments are investigating the events that led to this deadly collision. Early reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggest the Black Hawk helicopter deviated from its approved flight path and was flying above its mandated altitude. Additionally, there was one air traffic controller doing the jobs of two people.

It is not uncommon for military helicopters to be flying above the Potomac River during commercial landings and departures from Reagan Airport. However, this dual usage requires highly tactical air traffic control and communications. Officials will be reviewing all communications, transponder records, videos, and eyewitness reports in hopes of determining the cause of this crash.

As officials look for answers and evidence, they will investigate a number of possible failures that could have contributed to the crash. Flight crew decision errors, equipment failures, air traffic control planning and response, and other factors will be investigated.

Air Traffic Control and Communication

Errors made by air traffic control may have played a role in this deadly crash. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is considered the most controlled airspace in the U.S., but this collision still occurred. According to early reports, there was one controller doing the job of two people when the collision occurred. According to an internal FAA report, the same controller was directing helicopters and instructing arriving and departing planes. A supervisor allowed one controller to leave and combined the two duties at some point before 9:30 p.m. On January 29.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an air traffic controllers’ primary concern is safety. To that end, they manage the flights coming in and out of airport airspace, guide pilots during takeoff and landing, and monitor aircraft while in the air. The duties of air traffic control at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are complicated by the fact the airport serves commercial and military flights. 

About 30 seconds prior to this crash, air traffic control was in communication with the military helicopter. Reportedly, in two separate communications, air traffic control operators asked the helicopter if it had the plane in sight. These communications allegedly went unanswered. The plane’s radio transponder stopped functioning about 2,400 feet short of the runway, directly above the Potomac River.

Pilot Actions and Decisions

As information about this crash emerges, officials will be examining whether decisions made by the pilots and flight crews of both aircraft contributed to the crash or the events leading up to the crash. 

According to a report on Air Traffic Schedule Activity at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the airport averaged almost 400 commercial departures per day in November of 2024. The skies above this airport are very busy and there have been general concerns about increasing near collisions among aircraft.

Pilots and air crews need to be hyper-vigilant at airports with this volume of flights operating within such a small airspace. It is possible that decisions made by the pilots may have resulted in this collision.

For example, officials are investigating whether or not the Black Hawk helicopter might have been in prohibited airspace.

Mechanical Failures or Technical Issues

Mechanical failures or technical issues could have resulted in the collision. In the aftermath of this crash, officials will be reviewing black box recordings, air control transcripts, aircraft maintenance records, prior incident reports, and inventories of any maintenance issues. If any of the aircraft’s or air traffic control’s equipment was not being properly maintained, failures may have occurred, resulting in this crash.

This infographic gives common reasons planes can crash. It also explains what a black box, or flight recorder, is.

The airspace surrounding Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is highly controlled, due to its dual support of military and commercial aircraft. However, even with all of the monitoring and personnel, this collusion occurred. Surviving family members of the people lost in this crash will want answers. There will be legal implications for the people or entities responsible for this crash. Many victims’ loved ones will likely file wrongful death lawsuits, which are a type of civil lawsuit. These lawsuits could result in compensation for family members and hold liable parties accountable.

Determining Liability in the Plane Crash

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Armed Forces, and other entities are investigating the cause of this crash. As they work to determine liability, it may be uncovered that multiple failures led to the deadly collision. Operational decisions, inadequate equipment maintenance, or personnel failures may have contributed to this incident. Investigators will work to determine whose actions or inactions contributed to this catastrophic crash.

Early information obtained by investigators shows that the helicopter may have been flying in the commercial airspace. If the Black Hawk entered commercial airspace, regulations state it would need to be fitted with a transponder, similar to the plane. These transponders would allow both aircraft to “see” each other on monitoring equipment. If this equipment was not functioning, turned on, or present, that could have led to the crash.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims

Criminal actions could be brought against the people or entities responsible for the crash. However, criminal charges would not result in compensation for survivors of plane crash victims. Instead, many of the surviving family members of these victims may choose to pursue a civil lawsuit that seeks damages for wrongful death.

This type of personal injury case is filed by people looking to receive compensation from a person or entity whose negligence caused the death of their loved one. In a wrongful death lawsuit, a surviving family member may receive compensation for things like:

  • Lost financial support, including future income
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Emotional harm due to the loss of life 
  • Loss of services and support for things like childcare, household maintenance, and other support

Governmental Immunity and Limitations

It could be discovered that the U.S. Government or the military engaged in negligence that caused this crash. In many cases, the government is immune from litigation brought by its citizens, a concept called sovereign immunity. However, there are exceptions to this generally accepted common law. For example, the Federal Tort Claims Act allows the government to act as a self-insurer. It allows the federal government to assume liability for the negligent or wrongful acts of its employees. Under the Tort Claims Act, it is possible that victims’ families could pursue a lawsuit against the federal government to receive compensation.

Ongoing Plane Crash Investigation and Potential Regulatory Changes

The investigation into events surrounding this crash will likely take months or years. This plane crash comes at a time when many experts have sounded alerts about aviation infrastructure. This incident could prompt the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory bodies to examine policies, procedures, and regulations for airspaces in the United States. Some investigations have already raised concerns about current aviation infrastructure and personnel training.

GAO Report Raises Safety Concerns Over Aging Aviation Infrastructure

A December 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) called the safety and sustainability of the nation’s flight infrastructure into question. The report, titled, “Air Traffic Control: Urgent FAA Actions Are Needed to Modernize Aging Systems,” raised several concerns about the safety of the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure. The report shared that an “…assessment determined that of FAA’s 138 systems, 51 (37 percent) were unsustainable and 54 (39 percent) were potentially unsustainable.” This tragic incident may realize many of the concerns listed in this report.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigation

The NTSB is an independent government agency responsible for investigating every civilian aviation accident that occurs in the United States. The NTSB has already sent a go-team to the Reagan Airport crash site. They will work with local law enforcement and begin documenting and analyzing evidence from the crash. 

Evidence NTSB will review from the Black Hawk and American Airlines aircraft collision will include:

  • Debris from the accident site
  • Voice recordings
  • Communication records
  • Data from flight and aircraft control instruments
  • Radar data
  • Pilot and crew training records
  • Aircraft maintenance records
  • Weather reports

The NTSB investigation could take a year to 18 months to complete, but it is expected they will provide updates throughout the investigation.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Actions

The FAA is the government agency responsible for the safety of civilian aviation. The FAA creates and enforces a variety of regulations regarding civilian air travel. They have jurisdiction over flight routes, required equipment maintenance, airspace usage, and many other aspects of commercial air travel. The FAA maintains and enforces regulations and equipment aimed at preventing mid-air collisions. It is likely this crash will result in the FAA further evaluating procedures and regulations in hopes of preventing tragedies like the collision above Reagan Airport.

Potential Policy Changes and Safety Recommendations

Tragedies like the collision above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport often spur investigations that lead to changes in aviation policy. As this collision involved a military and civilian aircraft, government agencies may look to update communication protocols between civilian and military aircraft. The possibility of additional training for military personnel and civilian pilots may also be recommended. Equipment and infrastructure updates may also be warranted. For example, a 2009 Continental Airlines flight that crashed in Buffalo, New York, led to reforms in how pilots are trained.

Plane crashes and aircraft collisions in the United States are rare. However, they do happen, and they result in devastating consequences for the families and aviation professionals involved. 

According to data from the U.S. National Transportation Board and the Flight Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Network, since the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, there have only been nine deadly commercial air crashes

In the aftermath of these crashes, many survivors and survivors’ families explored their legal options and chose to file lawsuits against the parties responsible for their losses.

Previous Mid-Air Collisions in the United States

In-air collisions are much rarer than plane crashes, especially in the United States. In-air collisions have often involved smaller personal aircraft or two military aircraft. In-air collisions involving large, commercial aircraft are very rare. In-air collisions are more common when small aircraft are flying in less-regulated airspaces and using less sophisticated instrumentation.

The last in-air collision recorded in the United States occurred on March 7, 2023. This accident happened at Winter Haven Regional Airport in Florida. In this collision, two small planes collided, a Piper Cherokee and a Piper J–3 Cub on floats. Four people were killed in this collision.

The last deadly commercial plane crash in the U.S. occurred in 2009 outside of Buffalo, New York. In that crash, a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 passenger plane crashed into a house, killing all 50 people aboard. In that deadly crash, it was determined that factors such a lack of proper equipment, and inexperienced, fatigued pilots led to the crash.

Other Plane Crash Cases and Their Legal Outcomes

In the Buffalo crash, the families of victims were able to secure settlements from multiple liable parties. In the case of the Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 crash, the flight operator (Colgan Air), Colgan’s parent company (Pinnacle Airlines), and Continental Airlines were all named as defendants in civil lawsuits. Continental Airlines had provided training and oversight for the crew who was responsible for the crash.

In this case, all families were able to secure settlements and compensation from the liable companies. Settlement details are usually private, so precise dollar amounts are not known. However, each wrongful death lawsuit resulted in successful compensation. No amount of money is true compensation for these families’ losses, but justice prevailed.

Estimated Washington DC Plane Crash Settlement Amounts

The amount each person would receive from settlements related to the DC Plane Crash will depend on a number of factors. Compensation will depend on who is held responsible and what factors contributed to the crash. Settlements would be based on factors such as who is filing the lawsuit, their relation to the deceased, and the deceased’s role in the survivor’s household. Survivors can also be compensated for their emotional pain and suffering.

For example, if a survivor relied on the deceased for income to support their family, damages may be awarded related to childcare, lost income, and future earning potential. Hiring an experienced attorney can help victims pursue compensation for all related losses.

How to File a Washington DC Plane Crash Lawsuit

Surviving loved ones of the DC Plane Crash should contact an experienced lawyer to discuss their legal options. If they choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their loved one, there are specific steps they must take.

Individuals can begin the lawsuit filing process before a determination is made regarding the cause of the crash. Working with an attorney as soon as possible can help survivors establish evidence in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Follow the Steps Below to File a Lawsuit:

In order to file a lawsuit, loved ones of the DC Plane Crash’s victims should take the following steps:

  1. Contact an attorney experienced in civil litigation.
  2. Retain your selected attorney’s services.
  3. Begin gathering the documentation requested by your attorney’s legal team.
  4. Stay in communication with your attorney and await directions for next steps.
  5. Once information about possible liable parties is gathered, file your lawsuit in the proper jurisdiction and within filing deadlines.

Your attorney and their team will work hard to prove fault and negligence by the parties responsible for this fatal crash. They will collect evidence from multiple sources and pair it with the documentation you provide. These actions will help build your case and begin the process of obtaining a possible settlement.

King Law Is Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits on Behalf of Passengers, Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Aircraft Crew

King Law and its experienced legal partners want to support the families of the passengers, flight attendants, pilots, and aircraft crew. We have years of experience representing people who have been injured or killed due to corporate and government negligence. Our team’s mission is to stand up for the everyday person who has been wronged by huge entities. We understand no amount of money will make up for the losses you experienced, but we will fight for justice for you and your family.

Why Choose King Law

Our legal partners provide our clients with personalized and empathetic support. Our in-house team is sensitive to the difficulties you are experiencing. We will provide consistent support throughout the legal process. When you work with King Law and our legal partners, you can count on:

  • A free consultation: We provide free consultations to our clients.
  • No upfront costs: We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
  • A dedicated in-house intake team: Our intake team is in-house (no outsourced intake specialists, or call centers).
  • In-person support: We provide 24/7 legal support from our attorneys and litigation partners.

Contact a Washington DC Plane Crash Attorney

As soon as survivors are emotionally ready to seek legal support, we recommend reaching out to an experienced attorney. Our team is ready and equipped to support you. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can start building your case and receiving personalized advice. Call (585) 496-2648 to start exploring your legal and compensation options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Washington DC plane crash lawsuit about?
67 people lost their lives when an American Airlines passenger plane and a military Black Hawk helicopter collided above Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Family members of survivors are pursuing lawsuits related to the loss of their loved ones.
Is there a class-action lawsuit for Washington D.C. plane crash victims?
At this time, there is not a class action lawsuit related to the DC plane crash. There is a possibility that a class action will be formed, but it is more likely people will pursue individual lawsuits against responsible parties.
Why are people filing lawsuits following the Washington DC plane crash?
Many people lost family members in the crash. Those survivors have to find a way to financially and emotionally move forward after losing a loved one. They are filing lawsuits against the parties responsible for these crashes in hopes of receiving compensation.
Who can file a Washington DC plane crash lawsuit?
Anyone who lost a loved one or suffered emotional trauma related to this collision may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes survivors of passengers, crew members, military personnel, or aviation professionals.
Who will be held liable for the Washington DC plane crash?
It is possible that the U.S. government, American Airlines, PSA Airlines, or another party may be held liable for the in-air collision.
How long will the Washington DC plane crash lawsuit take?
The lawsuits could take 1 to 3 years. Investigations into the official cause of the collision could take a year or more. Then, lawsuits would need to move through the legal process.
What are the legal rights of families after the Washington DC plane crash?
Every family has the legal right to retain an attorney to advise them throughout the aftermath of this tragedy. An attorney will determine the best options for filing a lawsuit.
How can I file a wrongful death lawsuit for the Washington DC plane crash?
You can contact our legal team at King Law at (585) 496-2648 to discuss your legal options and whether or not filing a lawsuit is right for you.
What compensation will be available to the victims’ families?
Families of victims of the DC Plane Crash may be entitled to compensation for a number of losses, including emotional losses, pain and suffering, lost earning potential, support services the victim provided, and others.
What are the deadlines for filing legal claims related to the Washington D.C. plane crash?
Legal deadlines will be complicated due to the duration and nature of these cases. Many states have a statute of limitations of 2 years for filing a wrongful death claim. However, each state is different and the jurisdiction of these lawsuits has not been established. It is important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.