67 Dead in Midair Collision Near Ronald Reagan Airport

The NTSB is investigating a mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, which resulted in 67 fatalities. Preliminary data from the flight recorders indicate a last-second change in pitch by the jet, but discrepancies exist between recorded and air traffic control estimates of the plane's altitude at the time of impact. The collision has drawn attention to the busy airspace near the airport, with officials pointing to potential issues with communication and night vision goggles used by the helicopter crew. The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) didn't provide instructions due to the low altitude during landing. Former President Trump has controversially linked the incident to diversity hiring practices while emphasizing the need for improved air traffic management. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days as they continue to analyze the cockpit and voice recorders for further insights.