Three days of investigative hearings are set to commence on Wednesday to examine the causes of the deadly midair collision that occurred over Washington in January, resulting in the tragic loss of 67 lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will delve into the actions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers, and the Army, assessing how these may have contributed to the nation's deadliest plane crash since November 2001. Experts caution that it may still be too early for the board to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The incident involved an American Airlines plane arriving from Wichita, Kansas, which collided with a Black Hawk helicopter as it was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport. This crash is noted as the initial event in a troubling series of crashes and near misses that have raised alarms among officials and the traveling public alike. Despite aviation safety statistics that indicate flying remains the safest mode of transportation, the events have drawn significant attention.
Previous investigations revealed that the FAA failed to recognize a concerning history of 85 near misses near Reagan National Airport leading up to the collision. Furthermore, it was discovered that Army helicopters often operated without a critical safety feature, known as ADS-B Out, which transmits aircraft location data. Aviation attorney Bob Clifford, who has plans to file one of the first lawsuits against the government, expresses hope that the NTSB will consider broader systemic issues affecting air traffic safety amid military operations in crowded airspace.
Senator Ted Cruz has proactively introduced legislation aimed at enhancing aviation safety measures. This proposal would mandate that all aircraft operators utilize both forms of ADS-B technology, which aids in broadcasting aircraft location data to other planes and air traffic controllers. While many aircraft are already equipped with ADS-B Out, the law would require airlines to incorporate ADS-B In technology as well. Cruz emphasized the necessity for uniformity in aviation safety, asserting that military flights should not be granted exemptions in congested airspace.
The proposed legislation seeks to revoke an exemption on ADS-B transmission requests for Department of Defense aircraft and calls for the FAA to review helicopter routes near airports. Additionally, it mandates a review of aviation safety practices by the Army Inspector General. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy reiterated the board's longstanding advocacy for better technology integration, citing past recommendations aimed at bolstering safety during operations around airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed support for the proposed changes, while also criticizing the previous administration for its negligence in addressing safety concerns in Washington airspace. He noted that there had been a disturbing trend of complacency among leadership regarding aviation safety.
During the hearings, NTSB’s focus will include military helicopter routes, collision avoidance technology, and air traffic controller training at Ronald Reagan National Airport. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford anticipates that the discussions could lead to uncomfortable revelations; however, he insists that these necessary conversations must prioritize the safety of the traveling public above all else.
Moreover, federal officials have voiced apprehensions about the outdated and understaffed air traffic control system. In the aftermath of the January midair collision, it was reported that a single air traffic controller was responsible for managing both commercial air and helicopter traffic at the busy airport. Duffy has announced a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at modernizing the air traffic control system, which is currently reliant on antiquated technology.
As the NTSB hearings unfold, thousands of pages of evidence from the crash investigation will be made available online, facilitating transparency regarding the investigation process. The upcoming days are poised to serve as a critical fact-finding mission to unravel the complex factors underlying this tragic incident.
