DC Air Traffic Control Staffing Issues Noted After Tragic Collision

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admits staffing issues at air traffic control during a mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington, DC. Ongoing recovery efforts are underway, as families seek closure for their loved ones lost in the tragedy.

Air traffic control staffing issues have been identified following a catastrophic mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington, DC, which resulted in 67 fatalities. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that conditions at Reagan National Airport's control tower were "not normal" at the time of the incident.

Reports indicate that at the moment of the incident, one air traffic controller was managing both aircraft and helicopter traffic— a task usually handled by two personnel. “I'll take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at their word that it wasn't normal,” said Duffy during a FOX News Sunday appearance.

As it stands, 55 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, while search operations for the remaining 12 continue. The American Airlines flight was carrying 64 passengers when it collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter that had three crew members, with no survivors from either aircraft.

Duffy pointed out that a consolidation of air traffic controllers occurred an hour before the collision and questioned the appropriateness of this decision. "Why would they fly a mission at nine o'clock at night through really busy air space?" he wondered, emphasizing that there should be a balance between military training needs and traveler safety.

Preliminary data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the helicopter was operating at an altitude of around 200 feet, which is the designated ceiling for such aircraft in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport. Investigators are currently examining various factors contributing to the crash's circumstances but have yet to release official conclusions.

Military officials revealed that the helicopter was on a routine training mission, a requirement for annual recertification, led by experienced pilots familiar with the local airspace. Duffy expressed ongoing concerns about chronic understaffing within the air traffic control system, noting that more than 90% of facilities are below recommended staffing levels.

The Transportation Secretary acknowledged the reality of a strained air traffic control workforce who are "stressed out. They're tapped out. They're overworked," but reaffirmed his commitment to address these issues through the FAA.

As recovery efforts persist, a DC fire chief communicated the somber reality faced by families of the victims. Many gathered near the crash site on Sunday, seeking connection and closure as officials continue attempts to recover remains. They are working diligently amid adverse conditions, yet the community remains strong in their collective grief and pursuit of answers. “Uniting those lost in this tragic incident is really what keeps us going,” said Col. Francis Pera.