DC Collision Victims' Lawyer Alleges PSA Pilots Unaware of Helicopter Routes

Legal Action and Discovery

• ⚖️ Brian Alexander, representing 34 families of victims from the DC mid-air collision, is initiating legal action to uncover information about pilot training.
• 🏛️ With the filing of a lawsuit, Alexander's team gains subpoena power to issue discovery requests against airlines and other entities.
• 🔍 The goal is to retrieve information about why the accident happened, focusing on what airlines knew and their failures in advising and training crews.

Pilot Training and Awareness

• ✈️ A key focus of the investigation is the specific training provided to pilots for approaching DCA airport.
• ⚠️ Evidence suggests that many pilots at PSA were not even aware of the existence of helicopter routes near DCA.
• 📍 This lack of awareness is particularly critical concerning the area near runway 33's circling approach.

NTSB vs. Legal Investigation Scope

• 📊 The NTSB's investigation focused on the probable cause of the accident, with a limited scope.
• 🚀 Alexander's legal team will have broader resources, including subpoena power, to delve into the airlines' knowledge and actions regarding near misses and pilot awareness.
• 🗣️ Sources indicate that airlines were aware of details concerning near misses that were referenced during NTSB hearings.