they're saying the plane was on final approach when it hit a helicopter, how does a plane even hit a helicopter? would they not have different approach vectors since the helicopter would be landing on a pad?
American 5342 was on final, fully configured for landing and cleared for runway 33. Controller instructed PAT-25 (who had confirmed he had visual on the plane) to pass behind. That instruction was not followed.
Guaranteed the final report will be pilot deviation, wholly the army pilot's fault. The only question is how much spite the NTSB packs into their report over poor airspace management around Reagan.
5342 was below FL010 so TCAS would have been inhibited.
Controller instructed PAT-25 (who had confirmed he had visual on the plane) to pass behind. That instruction was not followed.
Plus PAT25 indicated that they had the CRJ in sight and requested visual separation, making it their responsibility to maintain separation.
The only question is how much spite the NTSB packs into their report over poor airspace management around Reagan.
If this video is real (and it certainly appears to be), I definitely think that while the fault will be with the PAT25 pilot the ATC will be listed as a factor. It may have been PAT25's responsibility but it's not as if that means ATC can't say anything.
A leak from the FAA's preliminary investigation claims that the DCA tower was understaffed at the time of the accident. One controller was handling approach and departure, as well as local helicopter traffic, and that for the time of day and volume of traffic in the area it would have been normal (at DCA) for helicopter movements to have a separate controller. Also, Congress's staffing target for DCA's controllers is 30, they're considered fully staffed at 28, but they currently have 24 controllers.
they're saying the plane was on final approach when it hit a helicopter, how does a plane even hit a helicopter? would they not have different approach vectors since the helicopter would be landing on a pad?
Helicopter gets in the way.
American 5342 was on final, fully configured for landing and cleared for runway 33. Controller instructed PAT-25 (who had confirmed he had visual on the plane) to pass behind. That instruction was not followed.
Guaranteed the final report will be pilot deviation, wholly the army pilot's fault. The only question is how much spite the NTSB packs into their report over poor airspace management around Reagan.
5342 was below FL010 so TCAS would have been inhibited.
Plus PAT25 indicated that they had the CRJ in sight and requested visual separation, making it their responsibility to maintain separation.
If this video is real (and it certainly appears to be), I definitely think that while the fault will be with the PAT25 pilot the ATC will be listed as a factor. It may have been PAT25's responsibility but it's not as if that means ATC can't say anything.
Oooo, new news.
A leak from the FAA's preliminary investigation claims that the DCA tower was understaffed at the time of the accident. One controller was handling approach and departure, as well as local helicopter traffic, and that for the time of day and volume of traffic in the area it would have been normal (at DCA) for helicopter movements to have a separate controller. Also, Congress's staffing target for DCA's controllers is 30, they're considered fully staffed at 28, but they currently have 24 controllers.
What is the source for all of this, if you don't mind my asking?
https://x.com/BrianBartlett/status/1884809124115833049
"PAT 25 DO YOU HAVE CRJ IN SIGHT"
"PAT 25 PASS BEHIND THE CRJ"