The United States government has formally accepted responsibility for a deadly helicopter–plane collision that occurred near the US capital in January, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.

In a statement released by the US Department of Justice, federal authorities acknowledged that the US government bears responsibility for the crash involving a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The collision, which took place on January 29, is considered the deadliest aviation disaster on US soil in more than two decades. At the time of the incident, the American Airlines regional jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers on board. All 67 people were killed.

According to the Justice Department, failures within the aviation system contributed to the tragedy. Media reports citing official findings indicate that the helicopter pilot failed to exercise adequate caution and did not maintain proper control and situational awareness. In addition, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controller reportedly violated established FAA procedures by failing to issue appropriate instructions.

The acknowledgment of responsibility came as part of legal proceedings related to compensation claims filed by the victims’ families. As a result of the government’s admission, the federal authorities are now obligated to provide financial compensation.

The case has renewed public scrutiny of coordination between military aviation operations and civilian air traffic control near major US airports, as well as broader concerns about air safety oversight and systemic failures.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with calls for structural reforms to prevent similar disasters in the future.(ILKHA)