Judge declines to dismiss American Airlines from DCA crash lawsuit

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Hearing in Washington advances civil case stemming from January midair collision that killed 67

WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Friday declined to dismiss American Airlines from a civil lawsuit tied to last January’s midair collision over Reagan National Airport, which killed 67 people.

American Airlines argues it is not liable

Lawyers for American Airlines and PSA Airlines argued the two carriers are separate entities with different manuals and training procedures, and that because PSA operated the flight, American Airlines does not bear liability.

Judge Reyes pushed back on that argument, noting that ticketing, airport lounges, the logo on the plane, flight attendant uniforms and baggage claim all carry the American Airlines name.

Reyes said any rational human would understand that all steps of the air travel process go through American Airlines.

Pilot conduct also raised in lawsuit

The lawsuit also cites potential pilot liability. According to the suit, air traffic controllers told the pilots they could make a turn shortly before the collision. The lawsuit alleges the pilots were hesitant to make the turn and did not properly evaluate it, despite having the option to decline.

Reyes said she will not dismiss any specific claims in the lawsuit at this stage in the process.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin in April 2027.