Fatal Crash Near Dca Exposes Alarming Risks Of Helicopter Routes In Commercial Airspace

Flying will be even safer after the DCA crash

Lessons learned from tragic plane crashes helps the aviation industry as a whole become even safer.

• The NTSB's preliminary report points to potential unreliable altitude readings from the helicopter and ATC communication issues as contributing factors in the crash.
• Inconsistent altitude readings from helicopters have been a recurring issue in previous near-miss incidents at DCA.
• The NTSB issued urgent recommendations to the FAA, including prohibiting helicopter operations on certain routes during Runway 33 landings or Runway 15 departures at DCA.

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report Tuesday on the mid-air collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk Helicopter over the Potomac River on Jan. 29.

In a press briefing, the NTSB shared the investigation's initial findings on potential unreliable data recording and an Air Traffic Control communications issue that led to the crash.

The Washington, D.C., airspace is notoriously congested, and near midair collision (NMAC) data shows that one or more TCAS alerts involving helicopters and commercial jets occur at DCA every month. Between 2021 and 2024, over 15,000 cases were recorded where commercial jets and helicopters were dangerously close (less than 1 nautical mile lateral or 400 feet vertical separation). There have been 85 incidents involving separation distances of less than 1,500 feet laterally and 200 feet vertically.

The Army helicopter was operating on Helicopter Route 1, which has a 200-foot maximum altitude restriction near DCA, the NTSB said. Investigators found inconsistent altitude readings from the helicopter, which may have caused altitude deviation. At least half of previous near-misses at DCA involved helicopters exceeding their route altitudes.

While ATC cleared the PSA flight for landing on Runway 33, it also approved the helicopter’s request to maintain visual separation, leading to the conflict.

The helicopter crew may not have received a crucial ATC instruction to "pass behind" the PSA flight, possibly due to radio interference. The PSA flight received a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) warning seconds before impact, but it was too late to avoid the crash.

Both aircraft had functioning lights and transponders before impact, suggesting that visibility was not a primary issue. The TCAS system on the PSA jet was operational, but TCAS warnings are inhibited below 900 feet during landing.

However, the helicopter's altitude readings were inconsistent, raising concerns about whether instrument errors played a role in the crash.

NTSB issued urgent recommendations to the FAA, citing insufficient separation distances between helicopter Route 4 and aircraft landing on Runway 33 as a major risk factor. The NTSB called for the immediate prohibition of helicopter operations on Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge whenever Runway 33 is in use for landings or Runway 15 for departures, saying it's an intolerable risk to aviation safety due to the close proximity. 

Additionally, the board urged the FAA to designate an alternative helicopter route to maintain access for essential services, such as law enforcement and government operations, while reducing the likelihood of future midair collisions.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. It will likely be months, and possibly a year or more, before the final report is released and the NTSB's official recommendations are fully offered.

The airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been sharply restricted for helicopter flights since the collision occurred. However, it's unclear if the closure enacted by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the immediate aftermath of the crash will become permanent.

The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations to review helicopter routes in high-traffic airspace. The agency is still analyzing flight data recorders, ATC procedures, and airspace management at DCA. Further review of helicopter altitude discrepancies and air traffic control communication gaps will be key in determining final causes.

Many industry advocates, including Airlines for America, the leading trade group for U.S. airlines, have pushed for tighter restrictions on helicopter flights near airports generally and in the vicinity of DCA specifically.

This accident underscores the dangers of mixed-use airspace, where military helicopters share corridors with commercial jets. Travelers may see changes in approach paths and air traffic control procedures at DCA and other major airports with similar mixed airspace conditions.

Officials said they recovered all 67 victims of the plane and helicopter crash. They identified 66 bodies as crews worked to remove wreckage from the Potomac River.

USA TODAY reached out to family members as they have identified loved ones lost in the crash.

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY; Reuters