Aviation News

A tragic mid-air collision occurred between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. The Black Hawk was conducting a training mission, preparing for evacuating top U.S. leaders during attacks on the nation's capital. In response, the FAA indefinitely banned most helicopters from flying near the airport, and the Army suspended flights for the 12th Aviation Battalion pending the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation. Congressional lawmakers also requested an indefinite pause and a comprehensive safety review of these operations. The collision, which occurred in highly congested airspace, has sparked concerns about the safety of routine military ferrying missions that frequently transport high-ranking officials. The Black Hawk crew, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves and Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara, both decorated soldiers, were experienced pilots with significant hours of flight. Investigations are ongoing to understand the circumstances, including air-traffic control communications and flight paths.