The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the aborted landings of two commercial flights at Reagan National Airport due to the proximity of a US Army Black Hawk helicopter approaching the Pentagon. This incident follows a tragic midair collision in January involving an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities and has since placed helicopters near the airport under scrutiny. Air traffic controllers instructed Delta flight 1671 and Republic flight 5825 to perform go-arounds as the helicopter came dangerously close, prompting concerns about airspace safety. The helicopter, part of the 12th Aviation Battalion, did not follow its direct path to the Pentagon Heliport, instead taking a scenic route, which was not within a restricted area. Senator Maria Cantwell criticized the incident as a failure to ensure the safety of airspace, especially given the recent resumption of flights by the same brigade in the National Capital Region.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating two aborted landings at Reagan National Airport caused by a US Army Black Hawk helicopter approaching the Pentagon. This investigation is particularly sensitive due to a previous midair collision in January involving an Army helicopter that resulted in 67 deaths.

Delta flight 1671 and Republic flight 5825 were instructed by air traffic controllers to perform go-arounds due to the helicopter's proximity, which was a Priority Air Transport inbound to the Pentagon Army Heliport. The helicopter came alarmingly close to the commercial flights, with one as near as 0.4 miles and 200 feet.

Senator Maria Cantwell expressed outrage, emphasizing the need for enhanced airspace security and safety, especially following the tragic accident earlier this year. She criticized the recurrence of such incidents so soon after flights resumed in the area.

A preliminary FAA report indicated that the Black Hawk did not proceed directly to its destination but instead took a scenic route around the Pentagon, raising questions about its flight path adherence. The helicopter's path was not in a restricted area established after the January collision.

The helicopter involved in the latest incident belongs to the 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir, the same unit involved in the fatal crash over the Potomac. This has heightened scrutiny over the unit's operations and adherence to safety protocols.

The Federal Aviation Administration is also conducting an investigation alongside the NTSB to assess the safety measures in place and determine any lapses that may have contributed to the near-miss incidents.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about helicopter operations near Reagan National Airport, with past reports of near-misses adding to the urgency of ensuring airspace safety in the region.