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DOT, FAA Lower Flags to Mark Anniversary of Washington Crash

Commemoration comes as NTSB releases its findings on the midair collision.

FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. [Credit: Shutterstock]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The one-year anniversary of a midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people was observed by lowering flags at Department of Transportation and FAA offices.
  • The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, with all passengers and crew from both aircraft perishing.
  • The NTSB cited "systemic failures" including poor helicopter route design, air traffic control understaffing, and a lack of Army flight safety planning as contributing factors, and has issued recommendations.
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Flags at Department of Transportation and FAA offices were lowered Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of a midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.

The DOT said it also invited Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD) to fly their flags at half-staff for the day.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

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