US Government Admits Air Collision Role

The United States government, through the United States — Federal Aviation Administration and the United States, has formally admitted its role in causing a collision between an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., in January, which killed 67 people. This admission came in response to the first lawsuit filed by the family of victim Casey Crafton. The government acknowledged liability due to an air traffic controller's procedural violations regarding visual separation and the Army helicopter pilots' failure to maintain vigilance. The United States — National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, having already identified factors such as the helicopter flying too high and the United States — Federal Aviation Administration's failure to recognize dangers around United States — Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, despite 85 near misses in the preceding three years. American Airlines and its regional partner, American Airlines Group — PSA Airlines, also named in the lawsuit, have filed motions to dismiss, suggesting the United States government is solely responsible.