On Thursday, two commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport were instructed to execute “go-arounds” due to an Army Black Hawk helicopter in the area, three months after a devastating mid-air collision that resulted in 67 fatalities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his concerns, demanding accountability from the Pentagon, emphasizing that helicopter flight restrictions around the airport are clear.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., but fortunately, no injuries were reported. U.S. Army spokesperson Capt. Victoria Goldfedib stated that the UH-60 Black Hawk was performing flight operations in compliance with FAA flight routes and was directed to circle by Pentagon Air Traffic Control. Subsequently, the two commercial flights received orders to avoid landing as a precautionary measure to prevent airspace conflicts.
Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the situation. The helicopter, carrying two pilots and a crew chief, was conducting maneuvers below 200 feet as part of a Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan but raises alarms given that FAA regulations generally prohibit helicopter flights above this altitude near Reagan.
This latest incident underlines ongoing concerns regarding airspace congestion surrounding the airport, particularly following a tragic mid-air collision on January 29, which involved an American Eagle plane and a Black Hawk helicopter. That crash highlighted the need for stricter regulations; the NTSB has indicated a desire to impose severe restrictions on helicopter traffic in that area, citing significant aviation safety risks.
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