U.S. government admits role in plane collision that killed figure skaters

The government admitted U.S. Army pilots failed to "maintain vigilance" that would have avoided a crash with an American Airlines jet in January that counted competitive figure skaters among the 67 victims.

The jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter as it made its approach to Reagan National Airport just outside Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29. The Athletic, which reviewed documents in the case, said the government admitted partial liability in its court filings.

The documents were part of the response to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widow of Casey Crafton, one of the victims about the American Airlines jet. It was traveling from Wichita, Kan., and carried 11 skaters who had attended the national championship, as well as some of their family members and coaches.

In all, 28 of the victims were from the skating community.

In the 209 pages of court documents was an admission from the government that the helicopter pilots also failed to maintain "visual separation" from the jet, per The Athletic.

The publication also said the government denies any negligence by air traffic controllers or federal employees of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Crafton's widow named the U.S. government, American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, as defendants.

On Wednesday, both American and PSA Airlines filed motions asking to dismiss the lawsuit against them.

A report from the National Transportation Safety Board as to the cause of the crash is expected out early in the new year.

--Field Level Media