Robert A. Clifford, an aviation attorney involved in every major commercial airline disaster in the U.S. in the last four decades, spoke to several reporters on the possible causes of the crash of an American Airlines regional jet that collided mid-air on approach to Reagan National Airport about 9 p.m. EST killing all 67 on board the two aircraft.
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices in Chicago and Lead Counsel in the pending litigation against Boeing in the crash of a jet nearly six years ago that killed all 157 on board across 35 countries and several continents, told WGN-TV on January 30, 2025, that the families will want answers, the flying public deserves answers. There is much unknown now, but answers will become available as the black boxes have been retrieved. Given this situation and previous close calls, it is necessary for the FAA to immediately suspend all helicopter flights in the airspace of Reagan National Airport until this investigation is complete and any and all NTSB recommendations are acted upon. The risks obviously are too high, particularly at night or with instrument conditions (last night’s crash was in visual conditions), to continue this practice.
It is being reported that no one survived the crash. Clifford spoke to reporters and producers throughout the country covering this tragedy to help the public understand this tragedy that he has experienced in his 40-year career as an aviation attorney, the only firm to have multi-national, multi-party experience, seeing the crash from every angle. He said plane crashes are very difficult to survive, and this tragedy is an example of one that could have been avoided.
It is being reported that twin-engine American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet, collided in mid-air over the nation’s capital with a military Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopter. It has been reported that at least 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the aircraft that can hold up to 78 people, and three military personnel were seated in the helicopter. All perished in the fiery collision Wednesday night above the nation’s capital before plunging in pieces into the icy cold Potomac River.
The poor communications or lack of communications from the air traffic controller are shades of the two small aircraft that collided north of Chicago in 2000, where Clifford represented popular WGN morning radio personality Bob Collins who was found not at fault at a trial in federal court because the air traffic controller didn’t warn the two separate pilots of the positioning of the aircraft who couldn’t see each other.
The AA Bombardier plane was estimated to be traveling at about 140 mph as it approached the airport before colliding mid-air, causing a huge fireball in the sky before plummeting into the Potomac River with water temperatures expected to be about 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
To speak to Robert Clifford or for further comment, contact Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz at 847-721-0909 (cell) or pammenaker@cliffordlaw.com.