NTSB Update: Mid-Air Collision Investigation Over Washington D.C.

Preliminary Findings on Mid-Air Collision

• 📌 The NTSB has issued a preliminary report on the January 29th mid-air collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines flight near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
• ⚠️ The report contains validated facts only; analysis of the "how" and "why" will follow as the investigation progresses.
• 🚁 The Blackhawk's flight recorder lacks date, time, and position data, and has an invalid pressure altitude parameter, requiring further investigation into its impact on other systems.

Urgent Safety Recommendations Issued

• 🚨 Two urgent safety recommendations have been issued to the FAA concerning helicopter routes near DCA due to significant risks identified.
• 📈 Analysis of data from 2011-2024 shows a high frequency of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) resolution advisories (RA) triggered by helicopter proximity to commercial aircraft at DCA.
• ⚠️ In over half of reviewed encounters, helicopters may have been above their designated altitude restrictions, with two-thirds occurring at night.
• 📊 Between October 2021 and December 2024, there were 15,214 close proximity events (less than 1 nautical mile lateral, less than 400 ft vertical separation) between commercial planes and helicopters at DCA.

Proposed Airspace Changes

• ✈️ Existing separation distances between helicopter traffic on Route 4 and aircraft landing on Runway 33 at DCA are deemed insufficient and pose an "intolerable risk" to aviation safety.
• 🚫 The NTSB recommends permanently prohibiting operations on helicopter Route 4 between Hanes Point and the Wilson Bridge when runways 15 and 33 are in use.
• 🗺️ An alternative helicopter route needs to be designated to facilitate travel when the segment of Route 4 is closed, considering continuity of government and law enforcement operations.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps

• 🔬 The NTSB team will conduct simulations using accident inputs, visibility studies under night conditions, and further interviews.
• 🛠️ Examination of radio altimeters, barometric altimeters, and other electronics will continue.
• ❓ Questions remain regarding the frequency of combined controller positions and whether the military helicopter's ADSB was installed, programmed, malfunctioned, or was turned off.
• ⚠️ While aviation is generally safe, the NTSB emphasizes the need for continuous improvement to achieve zero incidents.