US authorities are restricting helicopter flights near Reagan Washington National Airport after a fatal midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter kills 67.
Black Boxes Recovered in Washington Crash as NTSB Investigates Midair Collision
Black boxes have been recovered in ongoing probe, according to the National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said at an afternoon briefing.
The crash, which killed all 67 onboard, marks the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001. NTSB Chair Jennifer Inman confirmed the devices were retrieved, alongside interviews with the lone air traffic controller working at Reagan National Airport during the crash.
FAA Slashes Helicopter Flights Near DC as Safety Overhaul Begins
Following the tragedy, the FAA restricted helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport, banning all non-essential traffic except police, medical, and presidential aircraft. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated these rules will remain until the NTSB’s preliminary report (due in 30 days) identifies the crash cause.
Air Traffic Controller Shortage and Staffing Crisis Under Investigation
The FAA is 3,000 controllers short of staffing targets, increasing risks at Reagan Airport, where one controller managed traffic during the crash. Critics, including Senator Maria Cantwell, question the safety of allowing military and commercial flights to operate within 350 feet vertically/horizontally.
Helicopter Altitude Limits and Trump’s Criticism Spark Debate
Data from FlightRadar24 shows the Army helicopter was flying at 300 feet—100 feet above its route’s maximum. Former President Trump claimed on Truth Social: “The Black Hawk was flying too high.” But the NTSB has yet to confirm this.
