Government Acknowledges Role in Fatal DC Airliner-Helicopter Collision

Thu Dec 18 2025 16:05:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The FAA and Army are deemed partly responsible for a crash that killed 67 near Washington, D.C. as victims' families pursue justice.

The U.S. government has admitted its share of responsibility in the January collision between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives. An official statement revealed that procedural violations by the FAA contributed to the incident, while ongoing lawsuits point to multiple parties' involvement, including airlines and pilots. Victims' families are determined to hold all responsible parties accountable as further investigations continue.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government admitted Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army played a role in causing the collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near the nation’s capital, killing 67 people.

The official response to the first lawsuit filed by one of the victims’ families stated that the government is liable for the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated procedures that night.

However, the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and helicopter, also played a role. The lawsuit has also held American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, accountable for the crash, although those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.

At least 28 bodies were recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter reportedly collided with the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, just across the river from the U.S. capital. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, with three soldiers aboard the helicopter.

Robert Clifford, one of the attorneys representing the family of Casey Crafton, stated that the families will closely analyze the latest legal developments. He emphasized that the government “rightfully acknowledges” it is not the sole party responsible for the crash, highlighting its role among several causes.

Clifford affirmed that his team would continue to investigate the crash to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable and is awaiting further findings from a Jan. 26 NTSB hearing.