Family of D.C. Crash Victim Sues American, FAA, U.S. Army

Other relatives are expected to join the lawsuit over the fatal midair collision.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 05:21 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

NTSB investigators inspect wreckage of CRJ-700. [Credit: NTSB]

Key Takeaways:

The family of a victim from the January midair collision over Washington, D.C., has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government (FAA and Army), American Airlines, and PSA Airlines.
The lawsuit alleges negligence by all parties, citing American Airlines for ignoring safety warnings, PSA for inadequate pilot training, the FAA for neglecting air traffic control duties, and the U.S. Army for unsafe helicopter operation and equipment.
The complaint seeks accountability and systemic changes, with victims' families intending this lawsuit to guide other related civil cases.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The family of a man killed in January’s midair collision over Washington, D.C., has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government and the two airlines involved.

Lawyers representing Rachel Crafton, the widow of Casey Crafton, filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday, with the U.S. government, American Airlines, and PSA Airlines named as plaintiffs.