NTSB: Years of Ignored Warnings Led to Deadly American Airlines Black Hawk Collision near DCA

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a public hearing this week. Board members expressed deep concern over years of ignored warnings. These warnings preceded the deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C.. The crash involved an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Sixty-seven people died when the aircraft fell into the icy Potomac River. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated the tragedy was "100% preventable". She pointed to "systemic issues across multiple organizations" as the cause.

Systemic Failures and Missed Opportunities

Investigators outlined a history of safety concerns that went unaddressed. Recommendations to reroute helicopter traffic were rejected by the FAA. This occurred even after a near midair collision in 2013. The investigation showed the existing separation distances were insufficient. This posed an intolerable risk to aviation safety near Reagan National Airport (DCA).

One board member told victims' families the reports were "written in your family members' blood". Another key finding was the lack of safety data sharing. The Army and FAA were not sharing all necessary safety data before the crash.

Air Traffic Control Workload

The investigation highlighted the air traffic control workload D.C. tower faced. An NTSB human performance investigator testified about the controller's situation. The local controller felt "overwhelmed" as traffic volume increased. Traffic peaked at 12 aircraft, including five helicopters. This high volume reduced the controller's situational awareness.

Controllers were overly reliant on visual separation air traffic control. The controller approved the Black Hawk's request for visual separation twice. However, the investigation showed the helicopter pilots likely never spotted the American Airlines jet. Difficult visibility amid city lights and restricted cockpit views contributed to this failure.

Regulatory Response and Future Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already implemented changes. The agency made a FAA helicopter route permanent change near DCA. This new rule permanently bans most helicopter flights from the area. Specifically, the FAA closed Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge. This closure is enforced when Runways 15 and 33 are in use.

• The FAA reduced hourly plane arrivals at DCA from 36 to 30.
• The agency also reported increasing certified controller staff.
• The American Airlines jet was on final approach to the little-used secondary runway.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said she was shocked the FAA did not realize the route lacked adequate separation. The NTSB is expected to issue final recommendations for long-term safety improvements. A pending bill in Congress seeks to mandate advanced locator systems on all aircraft. This aims to prevent future midair collisions.

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