In the three years leading up to the deadly collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Reagan National Airport, there were at least two other near-misses involving pilots reporting close calls with helicopters while landing at the airport, according to a CNN review of federal incident reports.
On two occasions, passenger planes had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a helicopter when trying to land at the airport, according to reports filed by pilots. In a third incident, two military helicopters got too close together, an air traffic controller reported.
The previous near-misses may gain more attention in the aftermath of the disaster, which is presumed to have killed 64 people aboard the plane and three Army servicemen on a helicopter training flight. The incident highlights the complex nature of air traffic control in the Washington region, where flight restrictions, military helicopters, and congested airspace make navigating the skies a challenging task.
The deadliest American aviation disaster since 2001 has led to questions about air traffic control staffing and protocols. A preliminary Federal Aviation Administration report found that staffing at the airport’s traffic control tower was “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic” at the time of the collision.
The Washington region is known for its complex airspace, with flight restrictions in place due to government buildings and military helicopters regularly traversing the area. The airport, which has the busiest runway in the country, has seen numerous near-misses in recent years.
The FAA has faced staffing shortages and is working to improve air traffic control systems. However, the aviation industry has faced increasing stress on the system, with a growing tally of close calls at airports around the country.
The near-misses highlighted in the CNN report are a sobering reminder of the potential risks involved in air travel and the importance of proper air traffic control protocols to ensure safety. The incident may lead to changes in how planes maneuver at DCA or potentially broader reforms.
