Overview

• An American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair while the plane was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a comprehensive investigation, with early focus on air traffic control staffing shortages and potential deviations in the helicopter's flight path.
• The collision occurred in congested airspace, with the helicopter reportedly exceeding its designated altitude and straying from its approved route.
• Victims included 14 members of the figure skating community, three U.S. soldiers, and passengers from diverse backgrounds, including international travelers and union workers.
• The crash, the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001, has reignited discussions about airspace congestion and the adequacy of air traffic control staffing nationwide.