US Admits Liability in Helicopter-Jet Crash Over Potomac River

Core Points - The US government has acknowledged liability for damages resulting from a deadly collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines jetliner, which occurred on January 29, killing 67 people [1][2][3] Group 1: Incident Details - The collision involved an American CRJ-700 jet and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, occurring as the plane approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River [3] - The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter was on a training mission with three personnel on board [3] Group 2: Legal Proceedings - Family members of the victims have filed lawsuits against the US government and American Airlines, including its subsidiary PSA Airlines [3][4] - The Justice Department's filing stated that the US Army breached its duty of care, contributing to the accident, while also noting that the FAA failed to follow air traffic control procedures [2][4] Group 3: Company Responses - American Airlines has declined to comment on the recent filing but referred to its previous motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the proper legal recourse lies against the US government rather than the airline [5] - The FAA has directed inquiries to the Justice Department, and the US Army has not provided comments following normal business hours [5] Group 4: Safety Measures - Following the incident, the FAA has increased safety measures at Reagan airport and restricted non-essential helicopter operations due to rising public concern over aviation safety [6]