Midair Collision at Reagan National Airport Sparks Safety Concerns

The crash between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane has prompted investigations into longstanding airspace risks and regulatory gaps.

The January 29 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 fatalities.
Preliminary data suggests altitude discrepancies, but investigators stress that flight recorder analysis is needed to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Reports dating back to 1991 highlight repeated safety concerns at Reagan National, with pilots warning of close encounters with helicopters over the Potomac River.
The FAA has imposed temporary restrictions on helicopter traffic at Reagan National while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts its investigation.
Experts emphasize that while U.S. air travel remains statistically safe, the incident underscores the need for improved air traffic management and safety protocols at high-risk airports.