Investigation reveals human error and safety protocol failures in deadly D.C. helicopter collision

A collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet over Washington, D.C., on January 29 resulted in 67 deaths. Investigations point to human error and outdated safety protocols, including the disabling of a critical military tracking system. The Black Hawk was flying at an altitude above regulations and was using night-vision goggles, which may have impaired the crew's visibility. Radar data shows the passenger jet attempted to avoid the helicopter just before the crash. Concerns about air traffic safety in D.C. have intensified, with over 30 near-collisions reported at Reagan National Airport since 1987. The FAA has reduced the number of aircraft allowed to land per hour, and a final report from the NTSB is pending.