The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to begin a three-day hearing to investigate the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of 67 individuals. The incident, which occurred in January, involved a collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet. The NTSB will examine multiple factors, including a reported misplaced antenna that may have led to a loss of communication between military controllers and the helicopter.
According to the Associated Press, the NTSB will question witnesses and investigators about the actions of the Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic controllers, and the Army. However, the agency notes it is still too early to definitively determine the cause of the crash. One key issue under scrutiny is the air traffic control procedures at Reagan National Airport, where normally two operators handle helicopter and plane traffic. On the day of the crash, the duties were combined, leaving only one controller to manage both tasks, as reported by the New York Times.
The incident is also being examined in light of potential operational gaps, such as a supervisor allowing a controller to leave early just before the accident. A source familiar with the matter explained that combining positions is a standard practice when air traffic is light or during shift changes, but the timing of the crash has raised questions about safety protocols. The NTSB’s investigation aims to determine if these procedures contributed to the tragic event, with findings expected to provide critical insights into aviation safety measures.