On Thursday, two commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport were instructed to perform “go-arounds” due to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter conducting operations near the airport, three months after a tragic mid-air collision that resulted in 67 fatalities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the incident, stating it was “unacceptable” and highlighted the clear helicopter restrictions around the airport, known as DCA.
The go-arounds, which occurred around 2:30 PM, were mandated to prevent potential airspace conflicts. Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army, explained that the helicopter was following FAA-approved flight routes when it was ordered to comply by Pentagon Air Traffic Control. Fortunately, no individuals were injured during the occurrence.
The Black Hawk, which had two pilots and a crew chief aboard, was reportedly flying below 200 feet as part of a rehearsal for a Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan. Notably, FAA regulations typically restrict helicopter flights under 200 feet in proximity to Reagan National Airport. The incident is currently under investigation, with both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) looking into the matter.
The previous January collision involving an American Eagle flight and a Black Hawk raised alarms about airspace congestion near the airport. Investigators confirmed that the helicopter in that incident was operating above the 200-foot limit, prompting NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy to advocate for stricter helicopter traffic regulations in the area due to ongoing safety risks.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
