$250 Million Claim Filed Against U.S. Government Over Fatal D.C. Plane Crash

The family of Casey Crafton, one of the 67 victims of the January plane crash involving a military helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Washington, D.C., has filed a $250 million claim against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army. The claim, filed by Clifford Law Offices, represents the initial legal step following the tragedy, which is the first fatal commercial airline crash in the U.S. since 2009. Crafton, who was returning from a business trip, left behind his wife and three young children. The filing includes $50 million for personal injury and $200 million for wrongful death, and the government has six months to respond before the family can pursue further legal action. Additionally, notices to preserve evidence have been sent to the aviation companies involved as part of the anticipated lawsuits. The crash remains under investigation, with concerns raised about staffing conditions at the Reagan Airport Tower at the time of the incident.