Politics
Army report calls for better helicopter tracking after 2025 Potomac crash
An Army investigation recommends more than 30 changes after the collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people. One proposal would equip Army helicopters operating in crowded airspace with technology that receives aircraft-location data—a measure at the center of a congressional aviation-safety debate.
An Army investigation into the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recommends more than 30 changes, including equipping Army helicopters in busy airspace with technology that receives aircraft-location data.
The collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and PSA Airlines Flight 5342 killed 67 people, including the helicopter’s three soldiers. The Army’s findings largely align with information previously disclosed by the National Transportation Safety Board, according to the report, dated May 14 and approved by Undersecretary Mike Obadal in late July.
The proposed helicopter equipment is part of a contentious aviation-safety debate in Congress. The Army report does not establish how many of its recommendations have been put into practice. The Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report or its implementation.
Families of those killed had pressed for the 50-page report to be released. Its recommendations were made by the Army investigating officer, Lt. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, in response to the disaster.