The U.S. Justice Department confirmed on Wednesday that the federal government bears legal responsibility for the January 29 collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash, which killed 67 people, marks the deadliest aviation disaster on U.S. soil in over two decades.
Investigations revealed dual operational failures: the Army pilot failed to maintain proper vigilance and control of the helicopter, while an FAA air traffic controller neglected mandated procedures. The collision involved 60 passengers, four crew members on the airliner, and three soldiers aboard the military aircraft.
This admission of liability clears the path for compensation claims from victims' families, though specific settlement terms remain undisclosed. The tragedy has reignited debates about military-civilian airspace coordination and FAA oversight protocols.
