The recent fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter has raised concerns after it was revealed that the helicopter's advanced tracking system, the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), was turned off at the time of the incident. The ADS-B, which is permitted for military aircraft, was inactive when the Black Hawk collided with an American Airlines passenger jet over the Potomac River, resulting in 67 fatalities.
Senator Ted Cruz, who received a briefing from the National Transportation and Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, stated that since it was a training mission, there was no apparent national security reason for the ADS-B to be deactivated. The FAA describes ADS-B as a sophisticated surveillance technology that enhances aircraft positioning accuracy and communication with Air Traffic Control, surpassing traditional radar systems.
Cruz emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into the accident to determine its cause and prevent future tragedies. Senator Maria Cantwell questioned the FAA about military flights operating without ADS-B since 2018, prompting the FAA to review airports with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy disclosed that preliminary information suggests the Black Hawk crew members were using night-vision goggles before the collision. She explained that the flight was a combined night-vision goggles annual check ride, part of the Army's proficiency assessment for pilots.
In response to the crash, the FAA imposed restrictions on helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport, with certain runways closed until late February. Special provisions were made for police, medical, and presidential transportation helicopters to ensure airspace safety.
