NTSB Criticizes FAA Over Deadly Helicopter-Jet Collision and Safety Oversight Gaps

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sharply criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for failing to act on warnings that may have prevented the January 29 collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet. The crash, which occurred over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, claimed 67 lives and is considered the deadliest U.S. air disaster in over 20 years.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy pointed out that proposals to modify flight paths to avert such dangers had been disregarded, with airport control tower staff expressing concerns that went unheeded. The hearing also revealed high staff turnover within the Reagan airport's control tower, indicating systemic issues in handling air safety protocols.

The board highlighted faulty altitude data in the U.S. Army's Black Hawk helicopters as a significant contributing factor. Discrepancies of 80 to 130 feet in altitude data were detected, which NTSB Chair Homendy emphasized could have led to the catastrophic event. The hearing further critiqued the Army's testing protocols and called for broader assessments of data discrepancies to prevent future tragedies.

(With inputs from agencies.)