- Federal safety officials reportedly want to forbid helicopters from getting too close to planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. This comes two weeks after the deadly collision involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter.
- The airport is extremely busy and has three runways that are often in use.
- The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the crash that killed 67 people and is expected to come out with its findings in the coming weeks.
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Federal safety officials want to permanently keep helicopters away from commercial flights that are taking off and landing at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The move comes two weeks after an American Airlines flight with 64 people on board collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, as the passenger plane was beginning to land at Reagan National. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. A total of 67 people died. There were no survivors.
How many runways does the airport have?
FAA senior officials are now trying to come up with a long-term safety plan to deal with the busy airport in Washington, D.C. The airport utilizes three runways and officials said space is tight.
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What are the current restrictions for helicopters?
Officials have temporarily banned helicopters from flying in the same corridor as the deadly incident. Military officials often use the routes to get around the region or to train for situations where political officials need a quick evacuation.
The Army said it is complying with the FAA restrictions to enhance safety.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy criticized the Pentagon’s operations of helicopters near the airport. He said it’s unacceptable if generals are using helicopters for convenience. Duffy said they should drive instead.
Where does the investigation into the crash stand?
The National Transportation Safety Board said it has finished gathering wreckage from the Potomac River. They said crews will continue to analyze the pieces that were recovered at its labs and the manufacturer’s facilities.
What happens from here?
The NTSB already determined that the helicopter was flying 100 feet above its authorized altitude. It is now analyzing the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.
The NTSB is also probing the situational awareness of the pilots. Officials are expected to finish the initial report on the crash in the coming weeks.