U.S. Restricts Helicopter Flights Near D.C. Following Fatal Midair Collision

In the wake of a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter, U.S. authorities have imposed strict restrictions on helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport. The crash, which resulted in 67 fatalities, raised significant air traffic safety concerns and prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to limit operations to essential flights only. Investigators have recovered the helicopter's black box and are analyzing data from both aircraft to determine the cause of the crash, while interviews with air traffic controllers are ongoing. National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman emphasized the board's commitment to uncovering the facts and preventing future tragedies. The helicopter flight restrictions will remain in place until a preliminary report is issued by the NTSB, which typically takes around 30 days. Separately, a medevac plane crash in Philadelphia has also raised safety concerns, though details on that incident remain unclear.