Tragedy struck the aviation industry on January 29 when an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided with a military helicopter over Potomac River, leaving 67 casualties and no survivors. This was just moments before the plane was about to land at the Reagan National Airport in Washington.
The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), taking the lead in the investigation, stated on February 11 that all recovered wreckage of the Bombardier CRJ700 (passenger jet) and UH-60 Black Hawk (helicopter) from the scene had been documented. Any further examinations would be done in laboratories and facilities.
While the recovered black boxes from both aircraft are still being investigated, current findings include the following:
Military Helicopter Was Above the Altitude Limit
The NTSB stated that the military helicopter was found to be flying at around 300 feet altitude, which is far beyond the 200 feet altitude limit for helicopters.
Reagan's Tower Station Was Understaffed at Night
Reuters reported that only one controller was working at Reagan's tower on the night of the incident. In another Reuters report, radio tower communications revealed that the helicopter was alerted about the approaching jet and was ordered to change course.
How This Happened and Who Might Be Liable
While the January 29 incident is the first major U.S. commercial aircraft collision in 16 years, CBS News has found several close calls, including one just the night before the incident where a regional jet about to land at Reagan almost collided with a military helicopter.
This hints that there may be flaws in the system that allowed the crash to happen and such flaws can be traced to liable parties, which may be any of the following:
Government: Military, Federal Aviation Industry (FAA)
Further probe into the helicopter's exceeded altitude is much awaited, but the NTSB wants more data before making conclusions on the liability of the seasoned army pilots. Additionally, the understaffed tower stations at Reagan, with Reuters having reported that the FAA is 3000 hires behind their staffing targets, could lead to further investigation into how the FAA's staffing system and controversial hiring practices might have compromised public safety.
Airline and Manufacturer
Pilot error is still the leading cause of aviation accidents, according to NTSB US Civil Aviation Accident Statistics. If there is proven negligence of the pilot or the airline company, American Airlines may be held liable for the accident. Moreover, the manufacturer may also face consequences if defective design or improper maintenance is proven to have caused the accident
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Case at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary
With both the government and a major commercial airline involved in the investigation, it is important to protect you and your family in a battle of settlements, especially with the federal government. In the last decade, about 75 claims had been paid amounting to just around 88.7 million dollars. You need an experienced aviation attorney to protect your best interests.
We at the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary specialize in catastrophic wrongful death cases. If you believe the death of your loved one in an aircraft accident was caused by the negligence of a liable party, please get in touch with our experienced Miami aviation attorney who can evaluate your case and help you seek compensation.