NTSB Hearing Reveals Errors, FAA Failures in Deadly DCA Midair Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a three-day hearing into the January 29, 2025, midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people. Preliminary findings point to a combination of instrument errors, such as malfunctioning altimeters on the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, and communication failures between crews and air traffic controllers as key factors. The helicopter crew's use of night-vision goggles may have further impaired their situational awareness. The investigation also revealed systemic issues within the congested DCA airspace, where commercial, military, and government aircraft operate closely, with longstanding safety concerns that were dismissed by management despite air traffic controllers' warnings. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy sharply criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for ignoring these warnings and inadequately addressing risks, highlighting that FAA leadership chose to transfer managers rather than implement effective safety measures. Homendy called the ongoing close calls in this busy airspace an "intolerable risk," underscoring the urgent need for reforms to prevent future tragedies.