The Breakdown 38

• A devastating midair collision on January 29, 2025, claimed 67 lives when an American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, marking it as the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in decades.
• An extensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that systemic failures in air traffic control, Army aviation, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were to blame, with NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy declaring the incident "100% preventable."
• The NTSB hearing revealed a culture of complacency in aviation oversight, calling for urgent reforms to improve safety protocols and prevent future tragedies.
• Almost 50 new safety recommendations were established by the NTSB, aimed at strengthening air traffic control systems and ensuring rigorous oversight for aviation personnel.
• Families of the victims have passionately advocated for aviation safety reforms, emphasizing the need for accountability and lasting changes within the FAA and other regulatory bodies.
• Concerns have also been raised about potential risks at other airports, highlighting the critical need for clear regulations regarding the shared airspace of commercial and military aircraft to ensure the safety of all flights.