FOX Enterprise’ Grady Trimble speaks with Nationwide Transportation Security Board member Todd Inman in regards to the ongoing investigation to find out the reason for the D.C. airplane crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is weighing plans to limit helicopters from utilizing the airspace across the Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport to make sure a lethal U.S. aviation accident like final month’s does not occur once more.
Senior FAA officers are contemplating a everlasting restriction to maintain helicopters away from industrial plane touchdown or taking off from the airport, sources accustomed to the matter instructed The Wall Avenue Journal.
It is a part of a long-term security plan across the airport after a U.S. Military Black Hawk collided with an American Airways regional jet Jan. 29 in what was the deadliest U.S. air catastrophe in additional than 20 years. Each plane fell into the Potomac River after the collision. Sixty-seven folks had been killed.
RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDERWAY AFTER AMERICAN AIRLINES JET, MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDE MIDAIR NEAR DC
FOX Enterprise reached out to the FAA for remark.
Days after the incident, the FAA, directed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, restricted helicopter visitors within the space over the Potomac River round Washington Nationwide Airport and stretching to the Wilson Bridge.
The FAA stated these restrictions will stay in place till the Nationwide Transportation Security Board completes its preliminary investigation of the incident, which is predicted to occur within the coming weeks.
If police, medical or presidential transportation helicopters want to make use of the airspace, civilian planes are usually not allowed to be in the identical space, in keeping with an FAA advisory.
The NTSB might be intently evaluating proof like cockpit communications, distinctive sound recordings, aileron positions, touchdown gear, altitude pitch, submerged electronics and particles and interviewing employees working with each plane.
EXPERT PUTS ONUS ON FAA FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES, HELICOPTER CRASH: ‘BAD MANAGEMENT’ IS ‘PUTTING US AT RISK’
Emergency personnel and divers work on the website of the crash after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter whereas approaching Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport and crashed into the Potomac River outdoors Washington, D.C., Jan. (Reuters/Carlos Barria / Reuters)
Duffy stated in an announcement earlier this month he’s particularly going to look into the operations on the air visitors management tower.
“Before this crash took place, you had a consolidation of two air traffic controller positions. One was for helicopters. One was for aircraft, for airplanes. Those positions were consolidated into one before this crash took place,” Duffy stated.
“So, we’re going to look, I’m going to look at the policies and procedures inside the tower, why that happened. How did they get the authority? And we’re going to pull back that authority to make sure that we have the right policies in place inside our towers to make sure that when you fly, you’re safe.”
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A U.S. flag flies as search and rescue groups work within the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River in Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters / Reuters)
Duffy has additionally criticized the operation of helicopters close to the airport, saying, “We have to take a real look at the safety around this airspace and the airspace around the country. And, again, we can fly training missions at a different time of night.
“If now we have generals who’re flying in helicopters for comfort by way of this airspace, that’s unacceptable. Get in a rattling Suburban and drive. You don’t have to take a helicopter.”
