Story perspectives

First Lawsuit Filed After January Midair Collision Sparks Safety Debate

9/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rachel Crafton filed the first federal lawsuit over the January 29 midair collision.
The suit names American Airlines, PSA Airlines, the FAA, and the U.S. Army.
NTSB investigators found over 15,000 near-miss incidents at Reagan National Airport.
Families complain safety discussions focus on government entities, not airlines.
Sen. Ted Cruz proposed anti-collision technology legislation, citing the Army's tracking-data failure.

History

Historical Context

Following the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash that killed 78 people, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented stricter airline safety regulations. This tragedy heightened scrutiny of aviation practices, leading to over 15,000 near-miss incidents reported at Reagan National Airport. Ongoing lawsuits, including one by Rachel Crafton against multiple entities, underscore persistent concerns about accountability and safety in the aviation industry.

1 of 2

Story summary

Rachel Crafton filed the first federal lawsuit over the January 29 midair collision.
The suit names American Airlines, PSA Airlines, the FAA, and the U.S. Army.
NTSB investigators found over 15,000 near-miss incidents at Reagan National Airport.
Families complain safety discussions focus on government entities, not airlines.
Sen. Ted Cruz proposed anti-collision technology legislation, citing the Army's tracking-data failure.

1 / 2