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.

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, that DCA's full ATC roster should be 28 people with a target of 30, but they currently have 24.