U.S. government acknowledges fault in midair collision near D.C.

The U.S. government admitted responsibility for a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people on January 29, 2025, in a recent court filing. The Justice Department cited failures by the helicopter crew to maintain safe visual separation and by an air traffic controller who violated FAA procedures. The families affected are pursuing legal action, while the NTSB’s investigation into the crash continues. Tim and Sheri Lilley, parents of First Officer Sam Lilley, defend their son and his crew’s adherence to regulations prior to the incident.

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