DC Midair Collision Prompts FAA Restrictions, Senate Briefing

Created: JANUARY 27, 2025

Following a fatal midair collision involving a Black Hawk helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 airliner near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in 67 deaths, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are scheduled to brief senators. The incident occurred just a week prior to the briefing.

The FAA has implemented temporary flight restrictions for helicopters near the airport, effective until late February. Exceptions include law enforcement, medical evacuation flights, air defense operations, and presidential transport.

AMERICAN EAGLE FLIGHT

Recovery efforts continue, with wreckage being retrieved from the Potomac River. The image above shows a barge carrying a crane removing debris.

An additional notice restricts civilian aircraft from operating in the vicinity when helicopters are present, extending through March 31.

Preliminary data from the plane's flight data recorder reveals it was struck at approximately 325 feet. NTSB member Todd Inman confirmed this corrected altitude and noted a slight pitch increase in the aircraft just before impact.

Potomac River

The community mourns the victims of the tragedy, with a candlelight vigil held near the crash site (pictured above).

While air traffic control initially recorded the plane's altitude at 200 feet at the time of the collision, Mr. Inman clarified that this data requires further analysis. Data from the helicopter's recorder is also needed to reconcile the altitude discrepancy.

barge near the potomac river

The image above shows the ongoing recovery operation, with debris being transported by barge.

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