Army investigation finds systematic failures led to midair crash with commercial aircraft in DC last year

An Army investigation into the January 2025 midair collision between a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport (DCA) has identified systemic failures as the cause. The crash, which resulted in 67 fatalities, was attributed to a combination of broken radio transmissions, instrumentation inaccuracies, and congested airspace. Specific technical failures included an incorrectly configured ADS-B system and an altimeter known for inaccuracies at low altitudes. Families of the victims are calling for legislative reform and an independent audit to assign leadership accountability.

An Army investigation into the January 2025 midair collision between a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport (DCA) has identified systemic failures as the cause. The crash, which resulted in 67 fatalities, was attributed to a combination of broken radio transmissions, instrumentation inaccuracies, and congested airspace. Specific technical failures included an incorrectly configured ADS-B system and an altimeter known for inaccuracies at low altitudes. Families of the victims are calling for legislative reform and an independent audit to assign leadership accountability.