Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The U.S. government has admitted that mistakes by an air traffic controller and Army helicopter pilots contributed to the deadly air crash near Washington, D.C., on January 29. The collision between a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter killed 67 people, making it the worst plane disaster in the United States in more than 20 years.
Among the victims were young figure skaters, their parents, and coaches who were returning home after attending the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Many members of the skating community were deeply affected, including well-known coaches and teenage athletes from Boston.
In court documents responding to the first lawsuit filed by a victim’s family, the government said the air traffic controller failed to follow proper visual separation rules. It also stated that the Army helicopter pilots did not keep proper watch to avoid the passenger jet. Because of these failures, the government accepted legal responsibility for the crash.
However, the filing also suggested that others may share some responsibility. The lawsuit named American Airlines and its regional partner PSA Airlines, claiming they did not do enough to reduce risks in crowded airspace or train pilots properly. Both airlines have asked the court to dismiss the case, saying the government is responsible.
The crash happened as the plane was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. At least 28 bodies were later recovered from the Potomac River. The aircraft had 64 people on board, while three soldiers were in the helicopter. A memorial ceremony was later held to honor the victims.
The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating and is expected to release its final report next year. Early findings show the helicopter was flying higher than allowed and that safety risks near the busy airport were not properly addressed, even after many close calls in recent years.
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