Summary
A collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and a commercial airplane near Washington D.C. killed 67 people in January 2025. The article reports that existing technology, which could have prevented the accident, was not mandatory by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), despite recommendations. It calls for legislative action to close safety loopholes, especially concerning military aircraft operations in civilian airspace.
Key Facts
- On January 29, 2025, a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair with American Eagle Flight 5342.
- 67 people, including the author's wife and son, died in the crash.
- The Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology could have prevented the collision.
- ADS-B In, which was recommended by safety boards, is not mandatory in cockpits.
- The FAA has not required ADS-B In for the last 18 years.
- The crash involved a military helicopter that was not broadcasting its position.
- Current FAA rules exempt military flights from certain civilian airspace requirements.
- The Senate is considering new safety legislation, with bipartisan support from Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell.
