Families of DC plane crash victims call on Army for accountability and safety reform

First responders who helped after DC plane crash honored

First responders who were called to help in the midst of the deadly mid-air collision over the Potomac River were recognized and honored on Wednesday for their efforts.

ARLINGTON, Va. - Families of victims killed in a deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C. in January are urging U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to show accountability and improve communication as the investigation continues.

Families seek answers

In a letter dated July 9, 2025, 168 family members of Flight 5342 victims called on Driscoll to engage directly with them, commit to transparency, and support independent audits related to the Army’s role in the crash.

The January 29 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial airliner killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft and raised concerns about air traffic safety near the nation’s capital.

READ MORE: Black Hawk pilot failed to heed flight instructor before DCA plane crash: report

All major wreckage from DC plane crash removed from Potomac River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says crews have successfully taken all major pieces of wreckage from the D.C. plane crash out of the Potomac River. The announcement came Thursday evening, just a day after the remains of all 67 victims killed in the midair collision were recovered and positively identified, and a little over a week after the crash happened.

What they're saying:

"We were deeply dismayed by your recent testimony at the June 5th hearing before the Senate Committee on Armed Services, where you reaffirmed the Army’s troubling stance of refusing to engage with the families of Flight 5342," the letter said. "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."

READ MORE: First responders who helped after DC plane crash honored at recognition ceremony

Calls for Army reform

The letter outlines four specific requests: appoint a dedicated family liaison for continued communication, commit to transparency by providing regular updates to families, schedule a meeting with family representatives within the next 30 days, and publicly support inspector general audits requested by Congress.

"While we have suffered an unimaginable loss, our focus is on protecting more families from experiencing the same pain," the letter read. "We believe this is a forward-thinking goal that all parties involved share, and we urge you to join us in taking meaningful steps toward lasting change."

Read the full letter online.

READ MORE: FAA revising air traffic control tower staffing rules at DCA: report

Remembering the victims killed in DC plane crash

It was the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001. At least 28 bodies have been pulled from the icy waters, including those of the three soldiers who were on the helicopter.