NTSB Finds Multiple Failures Led to Deadly DCA CRJ700-Army Black Hawk Midair

January 27, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1769551890283-2219

NTSB Investigates Fatal Helicopter-Jet Collision Near Reagan National Airport

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a hearing to adopt formal probable cause findings into the midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport. The NTSB concluded that systemic failures, including flawed airspace design and inadequate oversight, led to one of the deadliest US aviation accidents in over two decades. Despite years of data showing repeated close calls between helicopters and commercial aircraft, the FAA declined multiple recommendations to move or redesign those routes.

Sponsored by Jumpseat Solutions, jumpseatsolutions.com

Key Takeaways

The NTSB found multiple failures led to the deadly midair collision.
Systemic failures, including flawed airspace design and inadequate oversight, were identified as causes.
The pilots of the PSA regional jet were not at fault.
The helicopter crew requested and was granted visual separation from the jet, which should never have been approved under the circumstances.

NTSB FAA PSA Airlines US Army

Strategic Implications

This investigation may indicate a need for increased scrutiny of air traffic control operations and airspace design. The focus on systemic failures suggests a broader issue in aviation safety that requires industry-wide attention.