Less than a week ago, a midair collision at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) cost the lives of 67 souls. America is not used to that; the last fatal airline crash in the US was nearly 16 years ago. This time, an Army Blackhawk helicopter collided in the dark with an American Airlines regional flight from Wichita on final approach barely 300 feet above the Potomac River. There were no survivors. This is frequently the case in a midair collision between two flying machines, particularly at low altitude.
A full-scale investigation is underway led by the NTSB – National Transportation Safety Board. Many other agencies are involved as well. Newly confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, less than 24 hours after assuming the title, was on the job to brief the public at Reagan National the next morning. The new administration is being very transparent over this tragedy, from the president to the new Secretary of Defense. This transparency will help reassure the public.