Air Traffic Control Supervisor Reportedly Made A Very Odd Staff Change Before Fatal Collision Between Black Hawk Helicopter & American Airlines Flight 5342
The Air Traffic Control supervisor at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reportedly made an unconventional change before Wednesday night’s plane crash.
The crash, which involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter, killed 67 people, leaving no survivors. The military craft apparently flew into the flight path of the passenger airline before they collided, with both going down into the Potomac River.
An ATC staffer tried to warn the helicopter but received no response after asking, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”
Was Air Traffic Control Undermanned?
According to newly released information from the Federal Aviation Administration relayed by the New York Times, the control center was likely shorthanded.
The report notes that the Reagan National Airport typically has two controllers working before 9:30 p.m., with one handling airplanes while the other focuses on helicopters. The roles merge into one after 9:30 p.m. because air traffic isn’t as heavy.
Per the Times, the ATC supervisor combined the roles before the aforementioned time.
As to whether or not the decision played a role in the collision is still unknown. Investigations are ongoing.
