Massachusetts families among those demanding Army accountability after fatal DC crash

Families of victims from a January 29 plane crash involving a Black Hawk helicopter are demanding accountability from the U. S. Army after the incident claimed 67 lives, marking the deadliest U. S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years.

They sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, citing systemic safety failures within the Army and the Federal Aviation Administration. The letter includes signatures from family members of victims, including members of The Skating Club of Boston. They express a willingness to collaborate with safety officials to prevent further tragedies, highlighting their disappointment with the Army's lack of engagement. The families specifically criticize Driscoll for downplaying the Army's role in previous near-misses and for the refusal to conduct an independent audit of the crash. In response, the Army acknowledged the families' frustrations and pledged to cooperate with the investigation.

They promised to meet with the families before the next round of NTSB hearings. The families seek meaningful changes to ensure future safety and prevent similar incidents.