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NTSB Urges ‘Immediate Action’ at D.C. Airport Following Fatal Midair

Between October 2021 and December 2024, there were more than 15,000 near misses between commercial airplanes and helicopters at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, agency says.

Reagan Airport DC midair collision
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport [Credit: Mark Stebnicki/Pexels]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The NTSB's preliminary report on January's fatal midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) identifies the airport's traffic flow as an "intolerable risk to aviation safety" and urges immediate FAA action.
  • The NTSB specifically recommends a permanent ban on helicopter operations along DCA’s Route 4 (between Hains Point and Wilson Bridge) when runway 15/33 is in use for commercial traffic, citing dangerously low vertical separation.
  • Supporting this, data reveals over 15,000 near misses between commercial airplanes and helicopters at KDCA between October 2021 and December 2024, with 85 incidents involving extremely close proximity.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday released its preliminary report into January’s fatal midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) and urged the FAA to take “immediate action” to protect safety.

The investigation into the accident—which killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft—remains open. But initial findings indicate that the flow of traffic at the airport creates an “intolerable risk to aviation safety,” said Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chair, in a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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