On Thursday, two commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport were instructed to perform “go-arounds” due to the presence of a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. This incident comes three months after a fatal mid-air collision involving a helicopter and a commercial plane, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his frustration, stating that clear helicopter restrictions exist around DCA, urging the Pentagon for an explanation regarding the Black Hawk’s operation.
The incident, occurring around 2:30 p.m., did not result in injuries. According to Army spokesperson Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, the UH-60 Black Hawk was conducting authorized flight operations when it was prompted by Pentagon Air Traffic Control to enable the two commercial flights to safely land. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now investigating the situation.
While no passengers were aboard the helicopter, it carried two pilots and a crew chief and was reportedly flying below 200 feet during training maneuvers related to a Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan. FAA regulations prohibit helicopters from flying above this height near Reagan airport, raising concerns about airspace congestion and safety.
The previous collision in January raised alarms, leading investigators to call for stricter regulations on helicopter traffic around the airport, highlighting an “intolerable risk to aviation safety.” NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy noted prior evidence that the helicopter involved in that incident exceeded the 200-foot limit. The ongoing investigations highlight the need for enhanced safety measures in the busy airspace around this crucial airport.
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