The family of Casey Crafton has initiated a lawsuit regarding the American Eagle Flight 5342 accident in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., claiming that the incident was preventable and occurred due to widespread negligence.

The incident on January 29 involved a midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of 64 individuals on the American Eagle flight and three on the military helicopter.

The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Casey Crafton’s estate, with his wife Rachel and family leading the legal action.

“Our lives were irrevocably changed in a single instant,” stated Dailey Crafton, brother of Casey Crafton. “Casey was let down by a pervasive failure to prioritize safety. We refuse to let his death be in vain.”

Multiple victims’ family members spoke at a news conference Wednesday, accusing the US government and American Airlines of negligence. (POOL)

He said the group has also “turned our grief into action.”

“We’ve worked alongside Congress to enact vital air safety reforms. We’ve initiated crucial oversight investigations into the FAA, and we will persist until similar probes are conducted into the US Army,” Lane stated. “We will approach the legal process with the same dedication and persistence to demand accountability and effect change.

“Many have asked if we’re apprehensive about revisiting the worst days of our lives in court. Our response is straightforward: We are prepared. We are committed to seeing this process through, no matter how lengthy it may be, to ensure our loved ones leave behind a legacy that enhances safety for all air travelers.”

The lawsuit is seeking both monetary damages and congressional air safety reforms.