A routine flight over Washington, D.C., ended in tragedy when an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair, prompting urgent demands for aviation safety changes.
At a Glance
- A midair crash near Reagan National Airport killed 67 people.
- FAA is under scrutiny for ignoring earlier near-miss incidents.
- Congress questioned the FAA’s failure to act on safety data.
- New rules will require aircraft tracking near Reagan Airport.
- Some helicopter routes have now been permanently banned.
Investigation Reveals Oversight Failures
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All 67 people aboard both aircraft died.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found the Army helicopter hadn’t transmitted its location in two years. Other helicopters in the unit had similar problems. FAA officials admitted they missed signs of trouble and failed to use safety data to prevent the crash. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau said, “We have to do better,” and emphasized the need to spot warning signs earlier.
Congress Presses FAA on Missed Warnings
At a Senate hearing, lawmakers criticized the FAA for not taking action sooner. Senator Maria Cantwell pointed to over 15,000 reports of helicopters flying dangerously close to planes near Reagan Airport. Senator Ted Cruz condemned a recent anti-drone test near the airport that triggered collision warnings in commercial cockpits. He called it “deeply disturbing,” adding that better coordination is needed between agencies.
FAA Responds with New Rules
Following the crash, the FAA is requiring all aircraft near Reagan Airport to use ADS-B Out, a system that broadcasts an aircraft’s location in real time. This technology helps air traffic controllers and nearby aircraft avoid collisions. According to Politico, the FAA has also banned certain helicopter flight paths around the airport to reduce traffic in high-risk zones.
A Need to Fix Aviation Safety?
The NTSB is still investigating the crash and expects to release a full report next year. Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said the FAA had access to safety data that could have prevented the crash. She urged the agency to act on such warnings in the future, as reported by the AP.
Until then, the FAA’s ability to fix its safety procedures will remain under the spotlight. With public trust on the line, aviation experts say changes are urgently needed to prevent another tragedy.
Watch coverage of the Senate hearing on the D.C. midair collision.
