Mid-Air Collision Over Washington, D.C. Kills 67, Prompts Safety Concerns

A passenger jet and military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport, raising questions about air traffic control, pilot decisions, and aviation safety systems.

An American Eagle passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River on January 29, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
Preliminary investigations suggest the helicopter may have been flying above its approved altitude and off its designated route during the crash.
Air traffic control staffing and communication issues are under scrutiny, with reports indicating one controller was managing both airplane and helicopter traffic at the time.
The helicopter crew had requested 'visual separation' but may have misidentified the passenger jet, potentially exacerbated by the use of night-vision goggles in a congested airspace.
The NTSB is leading the investigation and has recovered flight recorders and wreckage; a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a full report anticipated in 12–24 months.