Families of two Kansas natives lost in the January 29 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, D.C. are moving forward with lawsuits against American Airlines, its regional carrier PSA, the U.S. Army, the FAA, and the federal government.
Kansas City attorney Michael Rader, partner at Bartimus, Frickleton, Robertson, Rader, is the only local attorney representing families in this high-profile litigation.
“These lawsuits are being brought to hold those at fault accountable,” Rader said. “But more importantly, to help make whole the families who suffered this unimaginable loss — and to push for changes that improve aviation safety.”
The suits cite more than 30 documented near misses along the flight path, warning alarms that went unheeded in the cockpit, and systemic negligence across multiple parties.
Rader emphasized: “There were red flags waving that there was a danger here, and no one did anything to protect this crew and these passengers.”
For the families, the goal is clear: ensure their loved ones’ lives were not lost in vain, and help drive safer skies for all.
