We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.

On January 29, 2025, American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines collided mid-air with a United States Army Sikorsky VH-60M Black Hawk, presumably killing all 67 people onboard both aircraft. Flight 5342, operated by a Bombardier CRJ701ER, was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA). The midair collision between the passenger jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter happened just before 9 p.m. The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found.

In the Media:

Azrael Franz partner, Keith Franz, spoke with Mike Hellgren of WJZ-TV about the potential causes of the tragic air disaster.

Veteran aviation attorney on concerns – 

“Keith Franz, a Towson-based attorney at the Azrael, Franz, Schwab, Lipowitz and Solter law firm, believes there will be changes because of the congested airspace at Reagan Airport.

“I think the biggest concern is when airports reach maximum capacity, there has to be some way to stop future expansion,” Franz said. “It does take an experienced pilot to fly in and out of Reagan.”

Franz says that measures must be taken and reviewed because of the potential consequences.

“It’s a rare occurrence, but regrettably, if there is a mishap, it’s not survivable,” Franz said. “The consequences are grave.”

Additionally, according to reports, a single air traffic controller was handling both planes and helicopters the night of the collision—a job normally reserved for two controllers.

Franz said the regional jet that crashed into the Potomac River is a “workhorse.”

“It’s highly reliable,” Franz said. “It is used routinely in the U.S. This was built about 20 years ago—not particularly old for an aircraft of this nature. It has been used routinely throughout the U.S. with no problems. I don’t believe they’re going to find any mechanical problems with the aircraft, but judgment and awareness of the surroundings may be factors that will come into play.”

Franz said families of the victims will have many questions, “The main one being why—how could this have happened? And the main answer is this is likely going to come down to some human component, some misjudgment.””

 

If you or anyone you know has lost a loved one because of this tragic accident, please call our office for a consult.

Keith S. Franz