Army General Details DCA Helicopter-Plane Crash Response and Operational Changes

Army's Response to Mid-Air Collision

• 🕊️ Brigadier General Matthew Braman offered condolences to those affected by the mid-air collision between an Army Blackhawk helicopter (Pat 25) and American Airlines flight 5342.
• 🤝 He thanked First Responders and acknowledged the NTSB's lead role in the investigation, with the Army conducting parallel investigations.

Army Aviation Operations in DC Airspace

• 🚁 The 12th Aviation Battalion, part of the Army Aviation Brigade (TAB), provides aviation support for continuity of government and defense support to civil authorities.
• ✈️ Army helicopters meet all requirements for operating in Class B airspace and DC helicopter routes, operating under positive control of Flight Services.
• 📍 Pat 25 was operating out of Davidson Army Airfield, with a fully qualified crew, conducting an annual proficiency and readiness test (APART).

ADS-B and Transponder Status

• 📡 The specific status and functionality of Pat 25's ADS-B out capability is under NTSB investigation.
• ✅ The aircraft's transponder was active with Mode 3/A, C, and Mode S within Class B airspace, emitting required information for air traffic services and collision avoidance systems.
• 🚫 Army policy prohibits transponder-off operations in National Airspace.

Immediate and Ongoing Changes

• 🛑 Following the accident, the 12th Aviation Battalion paused all operations and has recently resumed flights only outside the seven nautical mile radius of DCA, with exceptions for critical support to the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of Joint Chiefs.
• 🚧 The Army is actively participating in an FAA-led working group to redesign helicopter corridors near DCA, as recommended by the NTSB.
• ⬆️ Interim guidance has been issued to elevate the approval authority for operating ADS-B off.
• 🤝 The Army is committed to a transparent review of the events and all operations near DCA to prevent future tragedies.