U.S. Admits Fault in January 2025 Potomac Midair Collision, Family Seeks Damages

The United States government admitted fault in the midair collision that killed 67 people on January 29, 2025, in a court filing released Wednesday night.

Admission of Fault

The filing states, “The United States admits that it owed a duty of care to Plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident on January 29, 2025.” It also acknowledges that Army crew on the Blackhawk helicopter negligently failed to establish and maintain proper visual separation with the American Airlines flight and failed to take evasive action.

Family Lawsuit

In September, the widow of Casey Crafton, Rachel Crafton, filed a master complaint alleging that the U.S. government, American Airlines and PSA Airlines failed to address more than 30 near‑collision events around Reagan National Airport (DCA). The lawsuit claims the defendants knew the airspace was one of the busiest in the country and that safety risks existed, yet they did not exercise vigilance.

Government Defense

The U.S. government argues that actions of air traffic controllers were not a cause of the crash. It notes that while the local DCA controller did not comply with an FAA rule about informing aircraft on converging courses, the government says the alleged negligent acts were not a cause‑in‑fact or proximate cause of the accident.

Expected NTSB Report

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to issue its report on the crash’s cause next year, which may provide further details on the incident.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. government admits fault for the January 29, 2025 collision that killed 67.
• A lawsuit filed by Rachel Crafton alleges negligence by the government, American Airlines and PSA Airlines after multiple near‑collisions.
• The government maintains that air traffic controller actions do not constitute liability, while the NTSB will release a formal investigation report next year.

The admission opens the door for victims’ families to seek damages and may influence future aviation safety oversight in the congested Washington, D.C. airspace.