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DC plane crash: What to know about the mistakes made leading up to the fatal collision

Wednesday’s fatal midair crash involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet has left investigators scrambling to uncover the failures and mistakes that led to the tragic incident. According to reports, the moments leading up to the collision revealed several critical errors that may have contributed to the loss of 67 lives.

One key factor that has come to light is the understaffing of air traffic control at Reagan National Airport on the night of the crash. Normally, two operators are responsible for managing the air traffic for helicopters and planes, but on that fateful evening, the duties were combined, leaving just one person to handle both roles. This decision was made after a supervisor allowed one controller to leave early, leaving the remaining controller overwhelmed and potentially unable to effectively manage the incoming air traffic.

Additionally, reports indicate that the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision may have been flying higher than its approved flight path, putting it at risk of colliding with the passenger jet. The helicopter reportedly deviated from the approved low-altitude flight path, which would have allowed it to avoid the approaching airliner. Despite the pilots being aware of the altitude restrictions, they failed to adhere to them, leading to the catastrophic outcome.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the reports, pointing out that the Black Hawk was flying well above the 200-foot limit, indicating a significant deviation from the approved flight plan. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also revealed that air traffic control may have directed the passenger plane’s pilots to pivot to another runway as they were approaching the airport, potentially adding to the confusion and risk of a collision.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently leading the investigation into the crash, with NTSB member Todd Inman emphasizing the importance of focusing on the facts rather than speculation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also commented on the incident, calling it “completely unacceptable” and highlighting the importance of recovering the helicopter’s black box to gain crucial insights into the events leading up to the collision.

As the investigation unfolds, questions have been raised about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in air traffic control hiring practices. President Trump and others have suggested that DEI goals may have influenced the hiring of air traffic controllers, potentially compromising safety and professionalism. However, Hegseth emphasized the need to prioritize merit over background in such critical roles to ensure the highest standards of safety and competency.

In the wake of this tragic crash, the aviation industry faces a critical examination of its protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The families of the victims and the public at large await answers and accountability as investigators work to uncover the truth behind the devastating midair collision.

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