Investigators say deadly midair collision near Washington DC followed years of ignored traffic warnings

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 28, 2026 at 02:52 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation revealed that a deadly midair collision near Washington D.C. that killed 67 people was likely preventable. The collision, involving an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, occurred due to years of ignored warnings regarding helicopter traffic dangers and a problematic helicopter route near Reagan National Airport. The NTSB cited the FAA's denial of requests to reduce air traffic and failures to address risks highlighted by a near miss in 2013 as contributing factors. Investigators emphasized the over-reliance on pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft and the restricted visibility from the aircraft. The NTSB adopted recommendations to improve training, staffing, and safety standards at Reagan and other airports, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% Kristen Miller-Zahn 50% American Airlines 60% Jennifer Homendy 60% Reagan National Airport ×370% Army Black Hawk 70% Federal Aviation Administration 70% Washington DC ×280% National Transportation Safety Board ×390%

Keywords

midair collision 100% air traffic safety 90% ntsb 80% ignored warnings 80% helicopter route 70% safety recommendations 60% air traffic controllers 60% federal aviation administration (faa) 50% reagan national airport 50% preventable accident 40%