Tragic collision prompts closure of helicopter corridor near Reagan
The U.S. authorities have closed the helicopter flight corridor near Reagan Airport after a military helicopter collided with a passenger plane. All individuals on board both aircraft were killed in the crash.
U.S. authorities have decided to close the flight corridor for helicopters near Washington's Reagan National Airport. This decision is the result of a tragic accident that occurred on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. (EST) when a military helicopter collided with an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 passenger plane.
As a result of the collision, which occurred just before the runway, all individuals on both aircraft were killed. There were 64 people on the plane and three soldiers in the helicopter. Wreckage from both aircraft fell into the Potomac River.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the indefinite closure of the helicopter flight corridor. This decision aims to secure the airspace near the airport and ensure air traffic safety.
Actions after the accident
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressed that closing the flight corridor "will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport." The FAA has restricted helicopter flights in this area, allowing only police, medical, air defence, and presidential flights.
Investigators have recovered the black box from the helicopter, which records flight data and cockpit voices. Two black boxes from the plane were previously found. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Still, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working on a preliminary report expected to be published within 30 days.
Reactions and condolences
Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commander of the U.S. Army's Joint Task Force in Washington, offered condolences to the families of the victims. "Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends impacted during this tragedy, and we will support them through this difficult time," he stated.
Military authorities have stated that the military helicopter should have flown at an altitude of no more than 60 metres, but the collision occurred at over 90 metres. Senator Maria Cantwell highlighted safety concerns regarding military and commercial flights, emphasizing the small vertical and horizontal distance between these flights.
