U.S. Government Admits Fault in 2025 Midair Collision That Killed 67

On Wednesday night, a court filing revealed that the United States government admits responsibility for the tragic midair collision that killed 67 people on January 29, 2025, over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

The Collision

The accident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter. All 67 passengers and crew aboard both aircraft lost their lives; there were no survivors.

Legal Response

The filing was an answer to the master complaint in a lawsuit filed by Rachel Crafton, the widow of Casey Crafton, one of the victims. The complaint was first filed in September and is the first lawsuit brought by a family member of a crash victim.

Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit alleges that the U.S. government, American Airlines, and PSA Airlines failed to heed warning signs after more than 30 near‑miss incidents in the Reagan National Airport (DCA) airspace. It claims that the defendants knew, or should have known, that the area presented safety risks, including the possibility of a midair collision.

Army Crew’s Actions

The 209‑page filing admits that the Army crew on the helicopter negligently failed to establish and maintain proper visual separation with the American Airlines flight. It further states that they did not identify the collision course or take evasive action, and that they flew off the flight route toward the center of the Potomac River at too high an altitude.

Government’s Position

While the government acknowledges a duty of care, it argues that air traffic controllers were not the cause of the crash. The filing notes that the local DCA controller did not comply with an FAA rule about informing aircraft on converging courses, yet the U.S. cannot be held liable because those acts were not a cause‑in‑fact or proximate cause of the accident.

Implications for Victims’ Families

The admission opens the door for families to seek damages. The lawsuit claims that the defendants’ collective failures caused the collision and the loss of 67 lives.

Future Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to issue a report on the cause of the crash next year.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. government admits fault for the January 29, 2025 collision that killed 67.
• A lawsuit filed by a victim’s widow alleges negligence by the government, American Airlines, and PSA Airlines.
• The Army crew’s failure to maintain visual separation is highlighted in the court filing.
• The case may lead to damages claims by families, and the NTSB will release a report next year.

The admission marks a significant moment in the legal and investigative response to the tragic incident, underscoring the complexity of airspace management around Reagan National Airport and the responsibilities of all parties involved.