Near Miss: 2 Planes Abort Landings After Army Helicopter Strays Near D.C. Airport

Federal transportation safety officials are looking into a serious incident that occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. On Thursday afternoon, two commercial flights had to abort their landings when an Army helicopter entered the airspace. This is alarming given that helicopter traffic has been restricted since a tragic collision in January.

Around 2:30 p.m., air traffic controllers instructed Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 and Republic Airways Flight 5825 to halt their descents due to the presence of the helicopter. Fortunately, both planes landed safely. The helicopter in question was a Black Hawk, heading to the Pentagon.

This situation raised significant concerns among officials. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed frustration, emphasizing that the rules regarding helicopter operations around the airport are clear. He mentioned plans to discuss the matter with the Defense Department to understand why these regulations were overlooked.

The Army detailed that the helicopter had complied with Pentagon air traffic control instructions to perform a “go-around.” In their statement, the Army reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety and adherence to established procedures.

Following a deadly midair collision on January 29, which involved an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk and resulted in 67 fatalities, the Federal Aviation Administration placed strict limits on nonessential helicopter traffic in the area. This recent incident has reignited concerns among lawmakers, many of whom frequently use the airport.

Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate’s transportation committee, highlighted the ongoing risks posed by military flights near commercial airspace. He called for new legislation aimed at enhancing civilian air safety, noting that it was only due to the quick actions of air traffic controllers and pilots that a potential disaster was averted.

Similarly, Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington criticized the military’s flight patterns, asserting that it’s “far past time” for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the FAA to ensure proper safety measures in the airspace.

Incidents like these not only disrupt flights but also raise serious questions about aviation safety in busy air corridors. Recent data shows a rise in near-miss incidents involving commercial and military aircraft, bringing attention to the pressing need for better cooperation between military and civilian aviation authorities. Public sentiment is shifting, with many calling for more stringent oversight to prevent such occurrences in the future.

For further context on air safety measures, you can refer to the FAA’s official guidelines, which detail protocols designed to protect civilian air traffic in relation to military operations.



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Airlines and Airplanes,United States Defense and Military Forces,United States Politics and Government,Helicopters,Air Traffic Control,Military Aircraft,Federal Aviation Administration,National Transportation Safety Board,Transportation Department (US),United States Army,Duffy, Sean P,Washington (DC)