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Washington, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations following a devastating mid-air collision over the Potomac River in January, which resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board an American Airlines jet and a Blackhawk helicopter.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy announced today that helicopters should be barred from flying over a four-mile stretch of the river when flights are landing on Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. The agency’s preliminary report highlighted long-standing safety concerns, revealing thousands of near-collision incidents at the airport in recent years.
“The warning signs were there,” Homendy said. “This tragedy underscores the need for immediate action to prevent another disaster.”
The collision, the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2001, has reignited concerns over air traffic safety in one of the country’s busiest and most complex airspaces. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to announce any regulatory changes in response to the NTSB’s recommendations.
