Probable Cause Found in D.C. Midair Collision: Helicopter Route and Misidentification

The NTSB says a helicopter route near Reagan National Airport and a likely misidentification by an Army Black Hawk led to the January midair collision that killed 67 people; investigators also cited controller workload and altitude instrument problems.

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its probable-cause findings for the January midair collision near Washington, D.C. Investigators said a helicopter route that runs close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and an apparent misidentification by the Army Black Hawk were central to the event. The NTSB also identified high air-traffic controller workload, altitude-reading problems on the helicopter, and limited review of helicopter routes as contributing factors. Sixty-seven people died in the crash. What investigators reported: - The NTSB attributed the collision mainly to the helicopter route adjacent to Reagan National and to the Black Hawk’s attempt to maneuver, during which the crew likely looked at the wrong airplane. - Investigators cited air traffic control workload, loss of situational awareness, and the absence of clear processes to manage the risk, which reduced the clarity or urgency of traffic warnings. - The helicopter exceeded the route’s 200-foot guidance at times and investigators noted probable altimeter or altitude-reading problems that left the crew unaware of their true height. - The board also reported insufficient route review, limited collision-alert systems on the aircraft, and failures by the Army and FAA to track or implement needed safety reforms. Summary: The NTSB’s findings identify route design and crew misidentification as primary causes and list several systemic and procedural contributors. Federal agencies and the Army have acknowledged failures in the period before the crash, and some airspace changes have been reported. Undetermined at this time.