FAA admits air traffic control error in deadly Potomac River mid-air collision. The agency acknowledged Thursday that a controller should have warned a passenger jet of an approaching Army helicopter before the January collision that killed 67. The revelation points to potential control tower failure on the night of the fatal accident
FAA admits air traffic controller error in fatal Potomac River helicopter-airplane collision. Acting Deputy COO Nick Fuller confirmed to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy that the controller should have warned the passenger jet of the approaching helicopter before the January crash that killed 67. The revelation follows an investigation into potential air traffic control failures contributing to the mid-air collision
FAA investigation reveals a single air traffic controller handled both helicopter and airplane traffic on the night of the fatal Potomac River mid-air collision. This responsibility typically requires two controllers between 10 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The controller's workload, while described as "manageable" at the time of the crash, raises questions about staffing levels and potential contributing factors to the accident
A single air traffic controller, with supervisory approval, can manage both helicopter and airplane traffic. However, this practice is generally restricted outside peak hours
Air traffic controller workload cited in fatal Potomac River collision investigation. Fifteen minutes before the January mid-air collision that killed 67, the controller reported feeling "a little overwhelmed," despite stating traffic was "manageable" at the time of the crash. The FAA acknowledges potential controller error
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's high air traffic volume on the night of the fatal Potomac River mid-air collision placed significant demands on air traffic controllers. Former operations manager Clark Allen described the situation, noting controllers were operating at their limits, "pushing the line" to manage the complex mix of helicopter and airplane traffic and highlighting the intense pressure of consistently prioritizing efficient air traffic flow
Potomac River Air Collision Investigation: FAA Confirms Potential Air Traffic Control Error. This is a developing story; check back for updates as the investigation unfolds
Source: Original Article