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4w ago

Senators Press FAA and Army Over DC Midair Collision That Killed 67

Congressional hearing reveals systemic failures in FAA oversight and Army operations as investigations into January's deadly crash continue.

In front of a graphic of a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference following up on the issuance of the NTSB preliminary report on the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Department of Transportation in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Rescuers on a boat work next to the wreckage of a Black Hawk helicopter, as the sun rises, at the site of the crash after it collided with the American Eagle flight 5342, which was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport, and crashed into the Potomac River, outside Washington, U.S., January 30, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
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NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, left, Chris Rocheleau, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, director of Army Aviation, prepare to testify during a Senate subcommittee hearing on Thursday.

Overview

  • The FAA admitted to failing to act on data showing over 15,000 close calls near Reagan National Airport between 2021 and 2024, including 85 incidents with dangerously close proximity.
  • The NTSB investigation found the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision was flying above its altitude limit and had its ADS-B Out tracking system turned off for over 700 days before the crash.
  • The FAA has permanently restricted certain helicopter routes near Reagan National and mandated ADS-B Out technology for most aircraft in the area to improve safety.
  • Congressional leaders criticized the Army's continued use of exceptions allowing helicopters to fly without broadcasting location data and demanded stricter oversight and policy changes.
  • The FAA is conducting an AI-led review of safety risks at other airports with heavy helicopter traffic, with findings expected in the coming weeks.