In this article, the Federal Aviation Administration announced restrictions on helicopter traffic around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. following a fatal collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jetliner. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Friday that the decision aims to secure the airspace near Reagan Airport to ensure the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic. This action is seen as a significant step towards restoring public trust in the aviation system.
The restricted area encompasses Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin; Haines Point to Wilson Bridge; and the airspace above the airport, as detailed by Duffy. National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman explained during a briefing that helicopters in Washington operate within designated zones or tracks. The collision occurred as the Army helicopter was transitioning from track one to four as part of its normal procedure.
The incident involved American Eagle Flight 5342, which was moments away from landing at Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Army helicopter, resulting in the tragic loss of all 64 individuals on the plane and all three occupants of the helicopter. This marked the first deadly commercial airline crash in the U.S. in over 15 years and the deadliest since 2001.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed uncertainty about why the military aircraft crossed paths with their plane. Isom commended President Donald Trump, Secretary Duffy, and the Administration for promptly restricting helicopter activity around DCA to enhance aviation safety.
Investigators are actively examining various factors such as aircraft altitude, staffing, and communication with air traffic controllers. The American Airlines regional CRJ700, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, was flying at approximately 300 feet during its final approach when the collision occurred with the Black Hawk helicopter.
FAA regulations stipulate that helicopters, which frequently traverse Washington between military installations, the Pentagon, and other sites, must operate within the vicinity of the airport at a maximum altitude of 200 feet.
