NTSB investigates deadly midair collision as safety concerns rise

In January 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft. The incident took place around 8:48 p.m. local time as the PSA Airlines flight was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for landing. This accident is noted as the deadliest U.S. aviation incident since 2001 and has raised significant concerns about aviation safety, particularly in the congested airspace around the nation's capital. Historically, the airspace around DCA has been a point of contention among aviation experts, who have long caution against its congestion. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has indicated that flight patterns around DCA created an 'intolerable risk' for both commercial and military flights. An analysis by the NTSB revealed that there had been approximately one 'close call' per month between military helicopters and commercial aircraft between 2011 and 2024. This incident has led to the implementation of new safety measures, including permanently restricting nonessential helicopter operations around DCA and eliminating mixed traffic between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Investigators are currently examining various factors related to the crash, including issues with the helicopter's altimeter, which may not have functioned correctly, causing the pilots to misjudge their altitude. Furthermore, it has been brought to light that at least one radio communication from DCA air traffic control could have been obscured, meaning the helicopter crew may not have heard critical instructions. The NTSB aims to uncover the complexities of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Importantly, the NTSB's hearing is focused on fact-finding rather than assigning blame. The goal of these hearings is to gather essential information to determine what transpired during the accident. With topics including the helicopter's data systems, the intricacies of DCA airspace, and the training provided to air traffic controllers on the agenda, this hearing aims to address the dire need for improved safety measures in U.S. aviation.