
Concerns raised about military helicopter activity over Washington before deadly collision, NTSB told
Testimony on Thursday during the National Transportation Safety Board's inquiry into the January midair crash over the Potomac River revealed concerns about military helicopter activity in Washington from aviators operating around the airport. Witnesses, including former Army aviator and retired Air Force officer Rick Dressler, highlighted difficulties in identifying aircraft in the night sky, particularly when onboard locator systems were switched off, as Army helicopters often did. The board focused on the common practice of pilots using visual separation in the complex airspace around Washington, with FAA officials acknowledging the reliance on this method to manage the high volume of helicopter traffic in the area. The board heard about instances where the Army Black Hawk pilot agreed to use visual separation on the night of the crash, emphasizing the challenges faced by civilian helicopter pilots operating near Reagan National Airport. The investigation is ongoing, and the final report is expected next year, while concerns about safety protocols and communication issues between air traffic controllers and pilots have been raised throughout the proceedings.
Leave a Comment
Popular News
Recent News
Weather

53%
6 MPH
-
24° Aug. 1, 2025
-
30° Aug. 1, 2025