Getting Justice for the Families of AA Flight 5342
- 30+ Years Experience in Aviation Law
- Millions Recovered for Plane Accident Victims
Did you lose a family member on AA Flight 5342? Do you have legal questions about your wrongful death rights?
First and foremost, we extend our deepest condolences for your loss. We also want to emphasize that you have legal options. Bohrer & Lukeman is a dedicated aviation accident law firm that represents plane crash victims and their families. For over thirty years, we have successfully challenged nearly every major domestic and international airline in a wide range of aviation-related injury and wrongful death claims.
The 2025 Potomac River Mid-Air Collision
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas, bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C. Tragically, the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The disaster claimed the lives of all 64 people aboard the plane and three crew members on the helicopter, leaving no survivors. This catastrophic event is now known as the 2025 Potomac River Mid-Air Collision.
Legal Options for Family Members
Depending on the outcomes of the investigations, family members of those on Flight 5342 will have legal options to pursue compensation for the loss of their loved ones.
Flight 5342 Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Families can file wrongful death claims against potentially responsible parties, such as:
- Airline and Operator (American Airlines/PSA Airlines) – If negligence in flight operations, maintenance, or air traffic communication contributed to the crash.
- U.S. Army (Government Liability) – If military flight procedures, air traffic coordination, or pilot error played a role in the collision.
- Aircraft Manufacturers (Bombardier & Sikorsky) – If a mechanical defect, software failure, or design flaw contributed to the accident.
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) – If it is found that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the military ATC failed to properly manage airspace families may have a claim against the government under the FTCA.
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Claim – If the Military or Air Traffic Control Was Negligent
If either Air Traffic Control or the Black Hawk helicopter was at fault, families may sue the U.S. government under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Wrongful death claims against government agencies must follow a strict administrative claims process before filing a lawsuit.
Meet Our Lead Airplane Accident Lawyer, Abram I. Bohrer
Bohrer & Lukeman is a full-service personal injury law focused on the rights of airplane accident victims who have perished or been seriously injured during commercial airline and general aviation accidents. Abram Bohrer founded the firm to represent victims of airplane accidents.
Read more about Abe’s experience.