The families of the 67 victims killed in the January 2023 midair collision over the Potomac River are expressing strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. Army’s response to the tragedy. In a letter addressed to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, 168 relatives accused military officials of evading accountability, stonewalling inquiries, and lacking transparency during the ongoing investigation.
The letter, which was sent this week, articulated their deep disappointment with how the Army has handled interactions with the families compared to other involved agencies, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Department of Transportation. “The Army’s approach contrasts sharply with the more collaborative stance taken by other organizations involved in this incident and raises serious questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability,” the letter states.
A significant point of contention is the Army’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with the families, especially as the NTSB continues its investigation into the crash. The incident occurred when an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342 while the commercial jet was preparing to land at Reagan National Airport.
The families highlighted the Army’s decision to withhold an unclassified ADS-B policy memo from Congress, only releasing it after a subpoena was threatened. Reports indicate that the equipment, which is crucial for detecting and preventing potential collisions, was not operational on the Army helicopter during the accident. “These actions demonstrate the Army’s willingness to circumvent official processes and resist oversight when deflecting scrutiny,” the letter continues.
Frustration runs high among family members, many of whom feel abandoned after a single initial meeting with Army officials post-crash. Updates from the Army have been sparse and often timed to minimize media attention, with some communications occurring during holidays. The lack of interaction has led to a sense of neglect among families seeking answers and support.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, former President Donald Trump attempted to address the situation but instead generated further outrage. His comments included unfounded theories linking the incident to diversity initiatives and past administrations, none of which were substantiated by evidence.
As the NTSB investigation progresses, Army officials confirmed plans for senior leaders to meet with affected families later this month, coinciding with public hearings from the NTSB. However, for many relatives, this gesture may come far too late to alleviate their concerns.
Families like that of co-pilot Sam Lilley are particularly vocal. Tim Lilley, Sam’s father and a former Black Hawk pilot himself, emphasized that the crash highlights not only training deficiencies but also a culture of complacency within the military unit involved. Despite bipartisan support and pressure from Congress, the Army’s inspector general has yet to initiate an independent audit of the incident, compounding the families’ frustration.
“Given that this is the deadliest incident involving U.S. civilian casualties caused by the military in modern history, the Army has a heightened responsibility to ensure full public transparency and urgent implementation of meaningful safety reforms,” the letter asserts.
The families’ requests are straightforward: appoint a family liaison, conduct a comprehensive meeting with relatives, and support congressional audits. These simple asks come after an unbearable loss, yet they reflect a broader desire for accountability and change.
As the conversation surrounding this tragic incident continues, the families remain resolute in their demand for the Army to confront the hard truths surrounding the collision and honor the memories of their loved ones through decisive action.