NTSB Faults FAA, Equipment After Fatal DC Midair Crash

The NTSB began a three-day hearing into the January midair collision over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with American Airlines flight 5342, killing 67 people. Investigators found the helicopter was flying higher than permitted due to inaccurate barometric altimeter readings, an issue confirmed in tests on similar aircraft. These inaccuracies, ranging from 80 to 130 feet, raised concerns about outdated helicopter equipment and pilot awareness. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized the FAA for repeatedly ignoring internal warnings about helicopter traffic near the airport and cited issues with high controller turnover and a rejected 2022 proposal to alter helicopter routes. American Airlines is not under scrutiny, as the airline is not believed to be at fault. The hearings have heightened urgency among officials to address systemic safety issues in air traffic management and pilot instrumentation.