NTSB investigates deadly midair collision in Washington

In January, a tragic midair collision occurred over Washington, involving a passenger plane and an Army helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals. In response to this devastating incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is holding three days of investigative hearings starting on July 30, 2025. During these hearings, the NTSB will question witnesses and investigators about the roles played by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its air traffic controllers, as well as the Army’s operations, which have raised concerns about aviation safety in crowded airspace. Preliminary investigations have indicated the FAA's neglect towards a history of 85 near misses around Ronald Reagan National Airport prior to the crash. Moreover, it was found that the Army's helicopters often operated without an essential locating technology, known as ADS-B Out, turned on. The combination of these factors points towards a troubling oversight in the management of aircraft movement in the area, compounding safety risks for commercial airlines operating in proximity to military aviation. Aviation attorney Bob Clifford, who is preparing to file a lawsuit against the government, emphasized the need for the NTSB to focus not only on this specific accident but also on the larger, ongoing issues that threaten the safety of commercial flights in Washington airspace. He stated that there are known problems being ignored, creating an unsafe environment for civilian aircraft. In light of this incident, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has proposed legislation aimed at enhancing aviation safety protocols, mandating that all aircraft operators utilize both forms of ADS-B to enhance situational awareness and collision avoidance. The hearings will also address military helicopter routes, air traffic controller training, and the overall infrastructure of the understaffed air traffic control system. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy highlighted that her agency has long advocated for improved ADS-B technology implementation, stating it would provide significant safety contributions, especially during operations around busy airports. Moving forward, officials believe that reforms are crucial and must not ignore historical patterns of negligence that have led to dangerous situations in the nation's capital’s airspace.