Fatal Midair Collision Raises Concerns Over Air Traffic Control Staffing At Reagan Airport

The deadly midair crash near Reagan National Airport has brought renewed attention to staffing issues within the FAA after a preliminary report confirmed that the airport’s control tower was operating with fewer personnel than recommended at the time of the accident. The collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet resulted in the deaths of all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

FAA guidelines require separate controllers to oversee helicopters and commercial planes, but the report, reviewed by The New York Times, found that only one controller was handling both duties when the crash occurred. A supervisor reportedly reassigned responsibilities and sent another controller home before 9:30 p.m., the typical shift transition time, even as air traffic remained high.

The crash happened just before 9 p.m. as a jet arriving from Wichita, Kansas, carrying members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, approached the airport. A Black Hawk helicopter from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was in the air on a training mission when it collided with the passenger plane. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, where search and recovery efforts continue.

Reagan National has faced staffing shortages for years, with the control tower operating at just 19 certified controllers instead of the 30 needed for proper air traffic management. The FAA acknowledged these challenges last year but has failed to address them, even as flight volume has increased.

Authorities have located the black box recorders from both aircraft, which are now being examined for further details. Search teams have been working to recover victims from the river, with additional efforts expected to continue in the coming days.

President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy by directing federal agencies to review air traffic control staffing and hiring procedures, calling for accountability in aviation oversight.