The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indefinitely closed helicopter routes near Washington Reagan National Airport following a deadly midair collision. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday night (January 29), involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial jet, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft.
According to an official briefed on the matter, the FAA’s decision aims to ensure safety during ongoing search and recovery efforts at the crash site. The closure affects low-to-the-ground routes that run under or parallel to the airport’s flight paths.
Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the American Airlines plane involved in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is examining various factors, including the actions of the military pilot and air traffic control. The helicopter’s altitude and the use of night vision goggles are also under investigation.
The FAA has faced challenges with a shortage of air traffic controllers, and the collision occurred when one controller was managing both helicopter traffic and arriving and departing planes. The tower supervisor had combined these roles earlier than usual, which is typically done when traffic slows down.
The investigation is ongoing, and it may take months to determine the cause of the crash.
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