On Thursday, two commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport were instructed to perform “go-arounds” due to a Black Hawk helicopter in the area. This incident occurred just three months after a tragic mid-air collision that killed 67 people. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his concerns, stating he would seek answers from the Pentagon regarding the helicopter’s operations, emphasizing the clarity of helicopter restrictions around the airport.
The go-around happened around 2:30 p.m., but thankfully no injuries were reported. U.S. Army spokesperson Capt. Victoria Goldfedib clarified that the UH-60 Black Hawk was conducting training according to FAA flight routes when it was redirected by Pentagon Air Traffic Control. Both commercial flights were ordered to adjust their approach to avoid potential conflicts in the airspace.
Currently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident. The helicopter was involved in a rehearsal for a Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan, flying below 200 feet during its training. However, FAA rules restrict helicopter flights above this altitude near Reagan National Airport.
The proximity of military and commercial aviation near the airport has raised safety concerns, particularly following the January 29 incident where an American Eagle plane collided with a Black Hawk, resulting in numerous fatalities. Investigations into that crash revealed the helicopter was flying above the 200-foot ceiling, leading the NTSB to advocate for stricter regulations on helicopter traffic in the congested airspace surrounding the airport, citing significant risks to aviation safety.
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