Mobile Blog Overview Mobile Blog Overview

Tragic Collision Between American Airlines Commuter Jet and Military Helicopter: An Ongoing Investigation

January 30, 2025

Do You Have a Case?

Find Out Now >

Jamie R. Lebovitz, senior partner and chair of the aviation practice group at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, is closely monitoring the ongoing developments following the devastating collision between an American Airlines commuter jet and a military helicopter. Early reports indicate that there were no survivors in this tragic event.

Incident Overview

The collision occurred as the American Airlines commuter jet was on final approach to Washington Reagan International Airport, having been cleared to land. The military helicopter, operating in a highly restricted and challenging airspace, collided with the regional jet despite alerts provided by air traffic controllers (ATC). Night visual flight rules were in effect, emphasizing the critical need for pilots to maintain full awareness of surrounding aircraft.

Key Questions That Will Be Explored

  • Was sufficient and accurate information provided by ATC to the helicopter crew regarding the approaching American Airlines jet?
  • Did the helicopter crew mistakenly identify a departing aircraft from Reagan Airport as the approaching commuter jet?
  • Could ground lighting or night vision goggles have contributed to pilot disorientation?
  • Was the helicopter equipped with a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and if so, was it designed to function effectively at such low altitudes and in proper working conditions?

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), headquartered in Washington, D.C., has already deployed a “go team” to conduct a thorough investigation. While initial findings may emerge in the coming weeks, it is expected that a final report determining the probable cause(s) of this disaster will take approximately one year.

Both aircraft were equipped with “black boxes”—critical devices that record voice communications among crew members and data on various aircraft parameters. These will play a pivotal role in reconstructing the events leading to the collision.

Legal Considerations for Affected Families

In the wake of this tragic incident, it is imperative that the families of those who perished engage experienced aviation counsel to navigate the complex legal landscape. Among the immediate legal steps that may be necessary is the timely filing of a civil discovery petition to ensure the preservation of material evidence.

Several parties could potentially be held accountable for this disaster, including:

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for potential air traffic control negligence
  • American Airlines, the parent company of PSA Airlines (operator of the commuter jet)
  • The U.S. Military
  • Other entities involved

Contact for Legal Assistance

Jamie R. Lebovitz has been representing families affected by aviation disasters for over 40 years and is recognized as one of the preeminent lawyers in the field. His experience includes handling numerous high-profile aviation cases, ensuring justice and accountability for victims and their families.

Cases he has handled include:

  • American Airlines Flight 5966 crash in Kirksville, Missouri
  • American Airlines Flight 1572 disaster in Hartford, Connecticut
  • Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Mooney M20E crash in Cedar City, Utah
  • Alaska Air Flight 261 crash near Point Mugu, California

Mr. Lebovitz is available for questions and legal consultation. He can be reached at (216) 406-1058. As the investigation progresses, this post will be updated with new information.

The Warning Signs Were There

Our new blog post, The Predictable Tragedy: American Airlines Flight 5342 and the Dangers of DC Airspace, details how years of unaddressed safety concerns and inconsistent air traffic control procedures culminated in this devastating but preventable accident.

Related Posts