Austin News

At a recent Senate Committee hearing focused on aviation safety, Republicans expressed concerns over safety system breakdowns that may have contributed to a mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. This incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

During the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision,” officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Army, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were questioned about the safety measures in place. Senate Republicans urged the FAA to modernize its air traffic control system in light of these events.

Senator Ted Cruz has taken a firm stance, pointing out the interference linked to the Secret Service and the U.S. Navy testing counter-drone technology, which led to cockpit alerts and advising that inappropriate testing at DCA was a catalyst for further investigation. Cruz demands the Army to present a memo concerning the policy of turning off ADS-B Out transmissions, highlighting the urgency caused by the loss of lives.

Cruz said, “If it is not provided to this Committee within 24 hours, I am confident that you will have a senior commanding officer give you a direct order to provide that Committee -- provide that memo to this Committee."

Senator Jerry Moran raised questions about the FAA’s awareness and response to safety risks involving both helicopters and commercial aircraft at DCA Airport, challenging the FAA’s Acting Administrator Mick Rocheleau over the actions taken post-accident. Moran remarked, "What did not happen at the FAA that would have highlighted this problem earlier?"

Moreover, NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy provided insights that the helicopter involved in the crash had not transmitted ADS-B data for 730 days, adding to the complexity of the situation and prompting further evaluation.

Senator Ted Budd questioned the FAA on the pre-existing knowledge of airspace design issues that affected safety near DCA. In response, FAA's Rocheleau admitted awareness of these conflicts, which were only addressed after the crash incident.

Continuous requests for documentation and clear communication within working groups have been emphasized, with the promise of further investigation to address and rectify the issues raised.