Following a risky near-miss involving an Army Black Hawk and two commercial flights, the U.S. Army has halted helicopter operations close to Reagan National Airport. This incident comes after a devastating crash in January in which an Army helicopter struck a passenger jet, killing 67 people and posing significant concerns about military flight operations in crowded civilian airspace.
Military Flights Grounded After Close Call
The Army’s helicopter grounding came after air traffic controllers had to direct a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to abort their landings in an emergency maneuver known as a “go-around.” These evasive actions were necessary to avoid a collision with an Army Black Hawk helicopter heading to the Pentagon Army Hospital.
NTSB Investigates Aborted Landings at Reagan National Airport Due to Army Helicopter
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the aborted landings of two commercial flights at Reagan National Airport on Thursday, prompted by the approach of a U.S. Army…
— Venci Nacario 🌕 (@vencinacario) May 4, 2025
Army officials confirmed the suspension will affect operations near Reagan National but noted that helicopter flights will continue in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into this latest incident, which has reignited concerns about military aircraft operating in busy civilian airspace.
Previous Tragedy Prompted Stricter Regulations
This close call follows the tragic January collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet that killed 64 passengers and three crew members. After that incident, the FAA implemented significant restrictions on helicopter traffic near Reagan National Airport, including a permanent ban on non-essential helicopter operations.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Another close call as a Blackhawk military helicopter causes two close calls at Reagan national Airport yesterday.Well, conducting a flight operations a UH-60 Blackhawk was directed by the Pentagon air traffic control to conduct a go around over flying… pic.twitter.com/QJj49myVCF
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) May 3, 2025
The January crash eliminated mixed traffic between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the airport’s vicinity. However, exceptions remain for life-saving medical support, active law enforcement operations, and presidential or vice-presidential helicopter travel.
Questions Remain About Flight Authorization
Officials have not clarified whether the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the recent near-miss was operating under one of the permitted exceptions to the FAA’s restrictions. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of military flight protocols and coordination with civilian air traffic control in the nation’s capital.
“The stoppage follows two close calls on Thursday when air traffic control directed a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to conduct a ‘go-around’ to allow an Army helicopter to head to the Pentagon Army Hospital.”
Aviation safety experts have emphasized the critical importance of proper coordination in Washington, D.C’s congested airspace. The FAA’s investigation will determine whether additional restrictions on military flights may be necessary to prevent future incidents and protect military personnel and civilian passengers.