NTSB to Convene on the Midair Collision at DCA: Key Points to Remember
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the deadly collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that occurred on February 3, 2023, over Washington, D.C. This incident, the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in decades, has raised concerns about the crowded airspace around the nation's capital.
According to NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, the board is finding conflicting information in the data related to the crash. The helicopter, it appears, was flying above the authorized 200-foot altitude limit at about 278 feet. Investigations suggest the helicopter’s altimeters may have been malfunctioning or providing incorrect readings. Air traffic control communication issues occurred, including possible missed or "stepped on" radio transmissions to the helicopter crew. The helicopter crew was wearing night-vision goggles, which may have impaired their situational awareness.
The NTSB is also examining other factors before the collision. The aviation industry has long warned about the congested airspace around Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). An NTSB analysis found at least one "close call" per month between a helicopter and a commercial plane flying through DCA from 2011 to 2024. The FAA had ignored warnings and failed to address a known history of at least 85 near misses around Reagan National Airport. Additionally, the Army helicopters routinely operated with the ADS-B Out location equipment turned off, reducing their visibility to air traffic control.
In response, the NTSB recommended steps to reduce risks in the congested Washington airspace. Key proposals, accepted by the U.S. Transportation Secretary, include permanently restricting nonessential helicopter operations around DCA and eliminating mixed helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft traffic in the same airspace. The NTSB also highlighted the need for improved altitude awareness for helicopter crews and better communication protocols.
The NTSB's full investigative report is expected to be complete early next year. The investigative hearing this week is focused on fact-finding and determining the causes of the crash, rather than assigning blame. The NTSB won't assign blame for the collision, but will offer a series of recommendations and proposals to the Federal Aviation Administration to prevent a similar crash from happening again.
The tragedy resulted in the death of all 67 people on board both aircraft. Adrian Ma, a website host, remembers his girlfriend Kiah Duggins, who died in the D.C. plane crash. This incident has renewed concerns about U.S. aviation safety, with Homendy stating that flight patterns around DCA created an "intolerable risk."
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- The incident involving the American Airlines passenger plane and the Army Black Hawk helicopter collapse has led to a scrutiny of ESG credit risk related to the aviation industry, particularly around Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) uncovers a history of near misses and malfunctions.
- The high-profile crash has prompted general-news sources and crime-and-justice outlets to focus on accidents on U.S roads and skies, with many questioning the safety measures in place.
- Football papers, however, have also been covering this tragedy extensively, as the casualties include various sports enthusiasts and fans.
- Some analysts have suggested that the aviation crisis may impact the overall capital market, as the industry faces scrutiny from investors concerned about ESG factors.
- In light of the recent accidents and the ongoing investigation, the spatially-focused Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out location equipment may gain more importance for helicopters, as it can potentially improve their visibility during range-limited operations.
- The NTSB's investigative report may hold valuable insights from the index of accidents data for the aviation sector, paving the way for future policy changes and safer skies.
