A complex series of errors and equipment failures led to a fatal collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport. The helicopter crew mishandled the 'visual separation' maneuver, which requires pilots to maintain a safe distance from nearby aircraft, resulting in a catastrophic mid-air collision. Communication breakdowns between the air traffic controller and the helicopter, compounded by the controller's dual responsibilities and the helicopter's disabled tracking technology, contributed to the accident. The crash highlighted systemic issues within U.S. aviation, including staffing shortages and the risky use of visual separation in busy airspaces, prompting the FAA to impose restrictions on helicopter flights and the use of visual separation. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate, with findings expected by early 2026, while initial analyses reveal a history of near-collisions at the airport, particularly at night and involving helicopters flying too high.

On January 29, 2025, an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport, killing all 64 passengers and crew aboard both aircraft. The Black Hawk crew's failure to effectively execute 'visual separation,' a maneuver allowing pilots to navigate around other aircraft, was a critical factor in the crash.

Communication errors played a significant role, as the helicopter crew did not hear vital instructions from the air traffic controller due to radio interference and overlapping transmissions. The controller, who was overburdened with dual responsibilities, did not provide clear, urgent instructions to avert the crash.

The helicopter's tracking technology, which could have aided in its monitoring, was deliberately turned off as part of a security protocol for the training mission, depriving the controller of real-time location data. This decision was part of the Army's efforts to simulate emergency evacuation scenarios for government officials.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced criticism for systemic deficiencies, including low staffing levels in control towers, which may have contributed to the accident. The FAA has since restricted helicopter flights along certain routes and limited the use of visual separation in response to ongoing safety concerns.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a thorough investigation, with a final report expected by 2026. Preliminary data show that Reagan National Airport experienced monthly near-collisions involving helicopters and airplanes from 2011 to 2024, prompting calls for improved safety measures.