NTSB reveals years of negligence led to deadly DC plane crash
- The NTSB conducted hearings investigating a mid-air collision at Reagan Airport involving an Army helicopter and a passenger plane that killed 67 individuals.
- Investigations revealed communication failures and altitude discrepancies in Army helicopters contributed to the accident.
- The findings highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures, including the potential mandatory use of ADSB technology for military aircraft.
In January, a tragic mid-air collision at Reagan International Airport in the United States, involving an Army helicopter and a passenger plane, resulted in the death of 67 individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held three days of investigative hearings to examine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident. The operations manager of the DCA air traffic control tower stated that the series of issues leading to the crash had developed over many years. The investigation revealed that the Army helicopter did not receive critical commands from air traffic controllers, primarily because radio communications were obstructed. Additionally, discrepancies in altitude readings were uncovered, raising concerns about the helicopter crew's awareness of their actual altitude due to malfunctioning altimeters.