On Thursday, two commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport were instructed to perform “go-arounds” due to a Black Hawk helicopter’s presence, which followed a tragic mid-air collision that killed 67 people three months earlier. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed outrage over this incident, emphasizing the importance of adhering to helicopter restrictions around the airport. He plans to seek answers from the Pentagon regarding the actions of the helicopter involved.
The helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk, was reportedly performing flight operations to the Pentagon in compliance with FAA routes when it prompted both the Delta Air Lines and Republic Airways flights to divert rather than land, ensuring safety in the congested airspace. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during this incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army, through spokesperson Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, indicated that the aircraft was practicing emergency evacuation procedures and flying under 200 feet, consistent with FAA guidelines. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the event.
In a previous incident on January 29, a collision between an American Eagle plane and a Black Hawk resulted in 67 fatalities, which heightened scrutiny regarding helicopter traffic in the area. The NTSB had previously stated that the helicopter involved in that fatal crash was operating above the 200-foot limit, arguing for stricter regulations on helicopter operations around the airport to mitigate risks to aviation safety. This recent incident raises further concerns about airspace congestion and the need for enforceable safety measures near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
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