Sign in Subscribe
Aircraft accidents

FAA Criticized for Failure to Address Safety Concerns before Midair Collision

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, castigated the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for failing to respond to warning signs and improve safety of airspace in the Washington, D.C., area before the January midair collision that killed 67 people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearings revealed unresolved staffing issues and a record of near misses as contributing factors in the accident.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA was aware of warning signs of serious problems in the Washington, D.C., airspace over several years but failed to address them, leading to the January midair collision that killed 67 people.
  • Unresolved staffing issues and a culture of distrust among air traffic controllers at Washington Dulles International Airport (DCA) contributed to the accident.
  • The FAA acknowledged a national shortage of traffic controllers, which had to be considered in staffing decisions.
  • Federal investigators said air traffic controllers were pressured to "make it work" and the system was "pushing the line" on safety.
  • The FAA failed to act on years of data and near misses indicating serious problems with the design of the mixed airspace around DCA.
  • The Army helicopter involved in the collision flew above its designated ceiling of 200 feet due to an imprecise altimeter.
  • The accident resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including 60 passengers, two pilots, two flight attendants, and the three-person helicopter crew.

Statistics:

  • 67 people killed in the January midair collision
  • 60 passengers killed in the American Airlines jet
  • 2 pilots killed in the American Airlines jet
  • 2 flight attendants killed in the American Airlines jet
  • 3-person helicopter crew killed in the Army helicopter
  • 278 feet: the altitude of the impact
  • 200 feet: the designated ceiling forArmy helicopters in the area

Sources:

  • Kansas Reflector - U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran castigates FAA for failure to respond to warning signs (no date)
  • U.S. Senate YouTube channel - U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on National Transportation Safety Board hearings (no date)

Read more