Deadly Midair Collision Near DC Sparks Calls for Change

NTSB hearing examines factors behind crash that killed 67 people near Reagan airport

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31am

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An air traffic controller felt 'a little overwhelmed' by the numerous aircraft around Reagan airport just minutes before an American Airlines jet collided midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people on board, according to an NTSB investigator. The hearing aimed to determine the biggest factors behind the deadly crash, which was the deadliest plane crash on U.S. soil since 2001.

Why it matters

The midair collision near Washington, D.C. raised serious concerns about air traffic management and coordination between civilian and military aircraft in the nation's capital. The crash led to changes by the FAA to ensure planes and helicopters no longer share the same airspace, but the NTSB hearing will likely recommend additional actions to improve aviation safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.

The details

NTSB investigator Katherine Wilson said the air traffic controller felt 'a little overwhelmed' when traffic volume increased to 10 aircraft about 10-15 minutes before the collision, but then 'felt the volume was manageable' when some helicopters left the airspace. However, about 90 seconds before the crash, the traffic increased to a maximum of 12 aircraft, including 7 planes and 5 helicopters, causing the controller's focus to shift between airborne, ground, and transiting aircraft, reducing their situational awareness. The NTSB also showed a video animation demonstrating how difficult it would have been for the pilots to spot each other amid the lights of Washington.

  • The midair collision occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • The NTSB hearing took place on January 27, 2026.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents and incidents.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline whose jet was involved in the deadly midair collision.

U.S. Army

The branch of the U.S. military whose Black Hawk helicopter was involved in the midair collision.

Rachel Feres

A relative of some of the victims who died in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“It will not be an easy day. There is no singular person to blame for this. These were systemic issues across multiple organizations.”

— Todd Inman, NTSB Board Member (wreg.com)

“We know over time concerns were raised repeatedly, went unheard, squashed — however you want to put it — stuck in red tape and bureaucracy of a very large organization. Repeated recommendations over the years.”

— Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chairwoman (wreg.com)

“I hope that we see a clear path through the recommendations they offer to ensure that this never happens again. That nobody else has to wake up to hear that an entire branch of their family tree is gone, or their wife is gone or the child is gone. That's what I hope coming out of this. I hope we have clarity and urgency.”

— Rachel Feres (wreg.com)

What’s next

The NTSB is expected to issue recommendations to the FAA, Army, and Congress to prevent similar midair collisions in the future. Victims' families say they will continue to push for meaningful changes to improve aviation safety.

The takeaway

This tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C. exposed systemic issues in air traffic management and coordination between civilian and military aircraft that must be addressed to ensure such a catastrophic event never happens again. The NTSB hearing aims to provide clarity and urgency for reforms that can save lives.