Concerns about safety at Ronald Reagan Airport near Washington D.C. have been longstanding. Recently, a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, likely resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board.
Pilots and aviation experts have previously warned about complex conditions around the airport, citing crowded airspace, short runways, and intricate flight paths through various ‘no-go zones.’ Reuters reports that pilots describe the environment as extremely challenging. An ex-pilot mentioned, “You really have to be at your best to depart or land at Ronald Reagan Airport.” Another pilot, speaking to AP, described the situation as a “disaster waiting to happen.” The cause of the crash is still unknown, but the flight data recorders from the aircraft have been found.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requires at least a month to analyze them. The helicopter’s black box has not yet been located.
Complaints about congestion have increased in recent years, as have commercial flights. Military aircraft and helicopters operate in close proximity.
Communication issues between military aircraft and helicopters, due to different frequencies, have also been noted. The crowded airspace has previously led to near-collisions, with 26 reported incidents since the 1980s.
A day before the crash, an incident required a plane to abort its landing due to a nearby helicopter. U.S. President Trump, in a press conference, blamed the diversity policies of former Presidents Biden and Obama for making the airspace less safe, though he provided no evidence.
Source: NOS