The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a critical safety recommendation aimed at preventing helicopters from operating near Washington Reagan National Airport during times when two less-frequently used runways are in use. This action comes in the wake of a tragic mid-air collision in January that resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals.
The NTSB explained its recommendation by highlighting the increased “risk of mid-air collisions between helicopters,” as outlined in a letter sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that was first reported by Reuters.
Additionally, the NTSB is urging the FAA to develop an alternate flight path for helicopters during periods when the two secondary runways at Reagan National are active.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated at a press conference that the previous regulations concerning the two lesser-used runways presented “an intolerable risk to aviation safety,” noting that the distance between a helicopter and an aircraft approaching one of these runways could be as minimal as 23 meters.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to address the findings during a press briefing scheduled for later today.
The incident involved a Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying a crew of three, that collided with an American Airlines jet, transporting 64 passengers and crew members. The wreckage subsequently fell into the river.
Sadly, there were no survivors.
Images from January show parts of the wreckage being retrieved from the river.
Following the crash, the FAA enforced a temporary restriction, preventing civilian aircraft from operating in the vicinity when police, medical, or presidential transport helicopters are using the airspace around Reagan National.
The NTSB’s recommendation would permit helicopters to operate while airplanes are utilizing Runway 1 at Reagan National, which currently manages approximately 90% of the airport’s traffic.
Last week, Airlines for America, a coalition representing American Airlines and other US carriers, urged the FAA to enact permanent reductions to helicopter traffic in the airport’s vicinity. The group has called for the FAA to suspend certain nearby helicopter routes, with limited exceptions for critical military or medical emergencies.
The airline consortium is advocating for an assessment of whether helicopter routes that could interfere with airplane operations at Reagan might be relocated further from commercial air traffic. They have also requested that the FAA conduct an expedited review of air traffic patterns surrounding major airports.
The FAA is currently reviewing helicopter routes in proximity to other airports.
Mr. Duffy has emphasized the need to terminate non-essential military helicopter flights in the vicinity of Reagan National.
“If we have generals opting to fly helicopters for convenience through this airspace, that is simply unacceptable. They should get a damn [Chevrolet] Suburban and drive; there’s no need for a helicopter,” he remarked.
