Family Of D.C. Plane Crash Victim Casey Crafton Files $250 Million Lawsuit Against FAA & U.S. Army, Marking First Legal Action Since Tragedy

Family Of D.C. Plane Crash Victim Casey Crafton Files $250 Million Lawsuit Against FAA & U.S. Army, Marking First Legal Action Since Tragedy

The family of Casey Crafton, a victim of the deadly Jan. 29 D.C. plane-helicopter crash, has filed a $250 million legal claim, marking the first such action since the tragedy.

Crafton, a 40-year-old technical support manager from Salem, Connecticut, was one of 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk over the Potomac River. Crafton’s widow, along with their three children, seeks answers as they mourn the loss of a loving husband and father.

“Casey was an incredible human being,” said attorney Bob Clifford.

The claim targets the FAA and U.S. Army, citing communication and staffing issues at Washington-Reagan National Airport’s control tower.

The FAA acknowledged the tower’s understaffing, with only 19 certified controllers instead of the required 30.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the crash “completely unacceptable” and vowed to investigate thoroughly.