Conclusion of hearings on deadly midair collision between military helicopter and plane

The National Transportation Safety Board is concluding its three-day public testimony on the tragic midair collision between an Army helicopter and a commercial jet in January. Recent discussions have raised various contributing factors to the crash that claimed the lives of 67 individuals on both aircraft. Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has called on the Federal Aviation Administration to improve, citing past ignored warnings. Among the key issues highlighted are the Black Hawk helicopter flying above designated levels near an airport and longstanding concerns about heavy chopper traffic around the area. While the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, it is evident that there was little room for error for helicopters navigating the flight path. The incident marks a series of troubling events this year within the aviation sector, despite flying still being considered a safe form of transportation. During the testimony, discussions about air traffic control revealed common practices among pilots, such as relying on visual separation. Concerns were also raised about the inexperience of military pilots in the complex airspace of Washington D.C. The session featured details on the final moments before the collision, including communication challenges between the Black Hawk pilots and the control tower. Aviation safety expert John Cox expressed concerns about the Black Hawk's altitude and positioning in relation to landing planes. The investigation continues, with a final report expected next year.