FAA restricts helicopter routes in DC region

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday announced it would restrict helicopter routes in the Washington region following a deadly collision this week between an Army Black Hawk and a commercial jet airliner that killed 67 people.

The FAA said it would restrict helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., where the crash occurred on Wednesday night.

The restricted areas include the Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin; Haines Point to Wilson Bridge; and over the top of National Airport.

Restrictions will remain in place until a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report is completed, which is expected within roughly 30 days. At that point, the FAA said a review will determine next steps.

There are some exemptions to the restriction, including lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense, or presidential transport helicopter missions, the FAA said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the decision "will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic."

"This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding our nation’s skies and upholding the highest standards of air travel safety," he said in a statement. "We will continue to support President Trump’s directive to achieve uncompromised aviation safety. The American people deserve full confidence in our aviation system and today’s action is a significant step towards restoring that trust."

Not much is known about the crash as the military, FAA and NTSB scramble to understand why the helicopter flew into the American Airlines flight returning to National Airport from Kansas with 64 passengers and crew, none of whom are believed to have survived after crashing into the Potomac River.

The Pentagon has temporarily grounded the 12th Aviation Battalion responsible for operating the Black Hawk.

The Army on Friday also identified two of three soldiers who were operating the Black Hawk when it crashed.

The Army identified Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Ga., and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Md., in a press release.

The Army said it would not at this time identify the third soldier, who is believed to be a captain, according to the ranks released by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Erika Holownia, commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion that operated the Black Hawk, said "each of our fallen Soldiers were exceptional leaders and teammates. Their legacy and honorable service to our Nation will forever remain."

"As we mourn this tragic loss, our top priority is supporting their families, friends, and fellow Soldiers," Holownia said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families and friends of American Eagle Flight 5342."

Topics

FAA to restrict helicopter traffic around D.C. airport after fatal airplane collision

American Eagle Flight 5342 was seconds away from landing at Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Army helicopter on Wednesday night.
CNBC - 2h
How flights are controlled in DC's heavily restricted airspace

Experts say the deadly incident poses grave questions about how a collision was able to happen over the US capital.
BBC News - 1d
What we know about Army helicopter, regional plane crash

Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Investigations underway into military helicopter, plane crash A ...
The Hill - 1d
What to know about the military helicopter involved in crash near DC

A deadly collision on Wednesday night between an American Airlines plane with 60 passengers and four crew members and an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers remains under ...
The Hill - 1d
Rescuers search Washington DC river after plane collides with military helicopter

More than 30 bodies reportedly recovered so far after American Airlines flight collides in midair with Black Hawk helicopter. Washington DC plane crash – latest updates Rescuers are scouring ...
The Guardian - 1d
Air traffic controller audio sheds light on DC plane-helicopter crash

Former pilot Anthony C. Roman and former NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti join TODAY to share their insight into the American Eagle passenger plane and Army helicopter collision in ...
NBC News - 1d
American Airlines flight collides with helicopter in Washington DC

It came down in the Potomac River, officials say, and search and rescue boats have been deployed to the area.
BBC News - 1d