At a Glance
- 67 people died in the January 29, 2025, midair collision that remains the deadliest U.S. crash since 2001.
- The National Transportation Safety Board opened a public hearing to dissect systemic failures across aviation and military operations.
- Families and officials urge decisive action to prevent future tragedies.
Why it matters: The collision exposed gaps in airspace management that could jeopardize lives, prompting a nationwide review of safety protocols.
The midair collision that struck the Potomac River on Jan. 29, 2025, left 67 people dead and sent shockwaves through the aviation community. A public hearing on Tuesday sought to uncover the systemic issues that allowed an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter to collide over the Washington, D.C. area. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will recommend measures to stop similar accidents.
The 2025 Tragedy
The collision involved an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft plummeted into the icy Potomac River, killing everyone on board. The crash remains the deadliest U.S. air incident since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
“It will not be an easy day,” board member Todd Inman said. “There is no singular person to blame for this. These were systemic issues across multiple organizations.”
The aircraft were operating in the same congested airspace near the nation’s capital. The helicopter was flying 78 feet higher than it should have, a critical error that contributed to the collision.
NTSB Hearing and Findings
The hearing opened with a modest audience, roughly 40% full during the first hour. An animation of the flights began, prompting tears from a small group of attendees.
Rachel Feres, who lost her cousin Peter Livingston and his wife and two young daughters, expressed her hope for clarity and urgency.
“I hope that we see a clear path through the recommendations they offer to ensure that this never happens again,” she said. “That nobody else has to wake up to hear that an entire branch of their family tree is gone, or their wife is gone or the child is gone. That’s what I hope coming out of this. I hope we have clarity and urgency.”
The NTSB’s investigation has already identified several key factors:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Poorly designed helicopter route | Past Ronald Reagan National Airport |
| Height error | Helicopter 78 feet higher than prescribed |
| Ignored warnings | FAA warnings ignored for years |
| Disabled system | Army turned off a key system that would have broadcast the helicopter’s location |
These findings highlight a pattern of systemic oversight rather than a single mistake.
FAA and Army Response
Shortly after the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration made several changes to prevent helicopters and planes from sharing the same crowded airspace around the capital. Last week, the agency made those changes permanent.
The Army has faced scrutiny for turning off a system that could have provided clearer location data. Families of the victims demand that the Army address this lapse.
Congress, the Army, and the administration will decide whether to act on the NTSB’s recommendations. Victims’ families say they will keep pressure on officials.
Families and Community Impact
Young Alydia and Everly Livingston were among 28 members of the figure skating community who died in the crash. Many of them had been in Wichita for a national skating competition and development camp.
The private memorial service held at Reagan National Airport on Sunday honored the victims. News4’s Megan McGrath reported on the ceremony.
The families’ voices underscore the human cost: “We have to see real change,” said a family member.
Looking Forward: Recommendations and Accountability
The NTSB will recommend additional action. The recommendations will be reviewed by Congress and the Trump administration. Families expect that the report will lead to meaningful changes.
Key recommendations include:
- Reevaluate shared airspace protocols.
- Reinstate disabled systems that provide real-time location data.
- Strengthen FAA oversight and enforcement.
- Increase transparency in military aviation operations.
The outcome will depend on how quickly lawmakers and military leaders respond.
Key Takeaways
- The Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision killed 67 people and exposed systemic failures.
- The NTSB identified a poorly designed helicopter route, height errors, ignored warnings, and disabled location systems.
- FAA changes to airspace management have been made permanent, but further action is recommended.
- Families demand accountability and meaningful reforms.
- The next steps involve congressional review and potential policy changes.
The collision’s legacy will hinge on whether the lessons learned translate into safer skies.
