366 Midair Collision at Reagan National - Tragedy Over the Potomac

366 Midair Collision at Reagan National - Tragedy Over the Potomac

Author: Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network January 31, 2025 Duration: 16:51

Max discusses the tragic midair collision at Reagan National Airport between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The midair crash over the Potomac River was captured by a Kennedy Center webcam.

ATC instructed the Army helicopter to follow the airliner to Runway 33, but it did not comply. The helicopter was not transmitting ADS-B Out, though its position was tracked using Mode S transponders. TCAS alerts are disabled below 400 feet, meaning the pilots had no automated warning. Nighttime perception challenges likely contributed to the crew's failure to see and avoid each other.

Trescott reviews ATC audio and past midair collisions, emphasizing the Swiss Cheese Model of accident causation—multiple failures aligned to cause the crash. A reported FAA radar screen showed collision alerts 30 seconds prior, but no action was taken. He urges pilots to use traffic displays with relative vectors for better situational awareness, particularly at night.

The episode ends with a call to fly defensively and use all available tools to prevent midair collisions.

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There’s always something new happening above the clouds, and Aviation News Talk-Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News is where those stories come together. Host Max Trescott, with four decades of experience flying general aviation aircraft, doesn’t just report the news-he breaks it down from a pilot’s perspective. This podcast serves as a regular hangar session, blending the latest updates with practical knowledge you can use. You’ll hear detailed technical discussions on systems like the G1000 and Perspective glass cockpits, learn the intricacies of flying GPS approaches, and get safety tips that are relevant whether you’re just starting out or have thousands of hours in your logbook. As an active flight instructor and a Platinum Cirrus CSIP, Max brings his daily experiences straight from the cockpit to each episode. He regularly answers listener questions and hosts interviews that delve into the real-world challenges and joys of flying. The conversation is grounded in a deep commitment to safety and education, aiming to help both current and future pilots navigate the skies with greater confidence. Tune in for a straightforward, informative take on general aviation that feels like getting advice from a trusted mentor. Each episode of this podcast is built on a foundation of real-world experience, designed to inform and engage anyone with a passion for flight.
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