First legal claim filed in Flight 5342 Wichita-to-D.C. crash

The family of a man who died on Flight 5342 has taken the first step in suing federal officials for the plane crash that killed 67 people in Washington D.C. in late January.

The $250 million pre-case claim was filed by Clifford Law Offices on behalf of the family of Casey Crafton from Connecticut, who was one of the passengers on the flight. It also appears to be the first legal action to be taken as a result of the crash.

The claim was filed against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, who was operating the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the plane as it was approaching Reagan National Airport.

Crafton’s family filed a Form 95, which is required by law to present claims to the federal government for property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death allegedly caused by a federal employee.

“Casey was an incredible human being. He was a giver. He was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed coaching his boys on their youth soccer and little league baseball teams. They will be grieving him for the rest of their lives that will never be the same,” senior partner Robert Clifford said in a press release. “This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers as to what happened to their loved one.”

It’s been previously reported that staffing at the Reagan Airport Tower was “not normal” when the flight crashed over the Potomac River.

Once that claim is filed, the federal government has six months to act on the claim. If rejected or not acted on, a lawsuit can be filed in the next two years.

Notices to preserve evidence were also simultaneously filed and sent to the aviation companies that operated the flights in anticipation of future lawsuits.

Crafton left behind his wife and three young boys, who live in Salem, Connecticut. According to a press release sent by the law firm, Crafton was visiting Wichita on a work trip for Guardian Jet, the aviation consulting firm he worked for.

This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM.