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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indefinitely suspended most helicopter routes near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following a fatal midair collision. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. All 67 passengers aboard the flight perished when both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, marking the deadliest aviation accident in the United States since 2001.
In response to this tragedy, the FAA has implemented stringent restrictions on helicopter traffic over the Potomac River near the airport. These limitations extend from Memorial Bridge to Wilson Bridge and cover areas over DCA. Only essential helicopter operations such as presidential flights, active law enforcement, life-saving medical missions, and air defense are permitted until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes its initial investigation.
"Today’s decision will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic," stated US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. He emphasized that this action is part of an ongoing commitment by the US Department of Transportation to maintain high standards of air travel safety.
