Future accidents are a concern for the National Transportation Safety Board after the deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter in January.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said there were over 15-thousand “close proximity” events between helicopters and passenger jets between 2021-and-2024 near Reagan Washington National Airport. A preliminary report is recommending the FAA prohibit certain helicopter operations in the area over the Potomac River as the investigation continues.
The January 29th collision between the plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter killed 67 people. Homendy says she’s not ready at this point to assess blame.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran will convene a hearing on March 27th of his Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation. He issued a statement saying, “The NTSB’s preliminary report lays the foundation for understanding what circumstances led to the deadly accident over the Potomac that claimed 67 lives. I appreciate the NTSB, FAA, DoD and other parties collaborating on this investigation and expect their continued cooperation as I lead a subcommittee hearing on March 27th to review the report and work to determine policy changes that may be necessary to prevent future tragedies. While this report provides some clarity, I know that nothing will take away the pain felt by the families of the victims, and I continue to pray for the Kansans, and all Americans, who are grieving this loss.”
Kansas congresswoman Sharice Davids also issued a response to the NTSB report, saying “While this is an important step, there is still more to uncover, and it’s critical that the NTSB has every resource needed to continue its investigation moving forward. In the immediate term, the FAA must act to implement the NTSB’s initial recommendations to prevent future disasters. As more details emerge, my colleagues on the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee and I will continue working to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld. My thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
There was also a reaction from Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner of Chicago-based Clifford Law Offices, which represents families of several victims of the crash. He said “It should not take a tragedy that led to the loss of 67 lives to correct the safety issues that had been going on for years around Reagan National Airport.” Clifford said he is considering the next steps in the filing of lawsuits against others such as American Airlines and helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky.
