Acting FAA Administrator Acknowledges Need for Improvement Following Deadly Collision

The congressional hearing on the fatal collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter raises critical questions about aviation safety measures.

Quick Takes

The collision, which resulted in 67 fatalities, may have been preventable.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that “something was missed” relating to the collision and that the FAA needed to improve.
The FAA and NTSB acknowledged repeated close calls near Reagan National, identifying a trend of oversight.
The full investigation into the crash is expected to be completed within the year.
New safety measures and AI-driven reviews are being implemented to prevent future incidents.
Legislative scrutiny on the communication and data transmission failures within aviation protocols continues.

Congress Probes Aviation Safety Protocols

A recent congressional hearing focused on the January midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, which tragically killed 67 people. The session covered missteps in aviation protocols, highlighting the FAA’s failure to act on data showing multiple near misses in the area. Both civilian and military aviation safety came under scrutiny, emphasizing the need for comprehensive procedural reforms.

The FAA had numerous reports of close calls similar to this fatal crash, yet no action was taken to prevent the tragedy. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “Something was missed,” and that, “We have to do better. We have to identify trends, we have to get smarter about how we use data, and when we put corrective actions in place, we must execute them.”

FAA acknowledges it must do better after deadly DC air collision https://t.co/AohGsucvGa

— 12 On Your Side WWBT Richmond (@12OnYourSide) March 28, 2025

Investigating Areas of Oversight

The NTSB revealed that in the three years leading up to the crash, there were 85 dangerously close calls between planes and helicopters at the airport, pointing to a pattern of oversight. The deployed AI-led review by the FAA aims to identify similar safety threats in congested areas and is set for completion soon. This aims to reduce risks and prevent such occurrences in the future.

The hearing also addressed the critical role of safety equipment. The Army helicopter crew was using night-vision goggles, which investigators believe limited peripheral vision when the crash occurred. This aspect, coupled with the absence of location data transmission for 730 days from the helicopter unit, raised significant concerns over equipment effectiveness and adherence to safety protocols. In addition, the hearing brought attention to the Army’s tendency to turn off location tracking during sensitive missions, another potential safety concern. Reports reveal that the helicopter involved in the Reagan crash had not transmitted location data for about two years.

Reforming Safety Protocols

In response to the findings, new regulations have been introduced. All aircraft operations near Reagan National will now require broadcasting their locations using “ADS-B out data” to improve tracking capabilities. Moreover, certain helicopter routes have been permanently banned to avoid potential conflicts.

This regulatory shift is complemented by a comprehensive audit of the Army’s helicopter fleet for possible equipment malfunctions. As the NTSB continues its examination over the mishap, recommendations to reshape how helicopter operations are conducted near high-traffic airports are expected to solidify aviation safety.

With the NTSB aiming to conclude its investigation within a year, it stresses the importance of vigilant monitoring and effective communication across civilian and military sectors to prevent future tragedies.