Close Encounter: FAA Aircraft and Helicopter in 2018 Near Miss at Reagan National

In July 2018, a near disaster was narrowly averted when a helicopter had to make a quick maneuver to dodge a plane as it descended toward Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. This event, which has come to light thanks to CBS News, bears similarities to another tragic Aviation accident.

The 2018 episode involved multiple helicopters on a similar flight path to those in this more recent fatal event, though it's uncertain who the helicopters were associated with.

In the 2018 scenario, an FAA aircraft was approaching Runway 33 when one of the helicopters had to suddenly alter its path to prevent a collision with the incoming plane.

Remarkably, Runway 33 was the intended destination for American Eagle Flight 5342 prior to the fatal crash.

Operational Failures and Air Traffic Control

Mirroring this week's catastrophic crash, during the 2018 close call, it was noted that only a single air traffic controller was managing both local airplane and helicopter flights. Typically, this responsibility is divided between two people. According to an FAA safety report, the controller did not provide crucial traffic updates to several aircraft approaching the airport.

Recordings from air traffic communications obtained by CBS News revealed that the helicopter pilot reported having to "swerve" away to avoid hitting the plane.

The controller later expressed regret for the incident, admitting a shortfall in communication that contributed to the near collision.

"I could have handled that situation with better advisories. I apologize for the oversight," the controller acknowledged.

Daytime Difference

The daylight conditions during the 2018 incident allowed the pilot heightened visibility, enabling them to take evasive measures and avert a crash, a luxury not available in the fatal incident given its nighttime occurrence.

The FAA did not offer comments when approached regarding the incident.

Ongoing Safety Concerns

CBS News reports have documented at least five near collisions between airplanes and helicopters in the vicinity of Reagan National in recent times.

Mixed Operations: A Controversial Practice

At the time of the Wednesday crash, the Black Hawk helicopter was engaged in training. Safety inquiries have arisen from lawmakers about the wisdom of allowing military drills to occur in airspace that is heavily trafficked by commercial airlines.

Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri voiced his concerns on the social platform X, questioning the rationale behind overlapping military and commercial air operations, especially under night conditions when traffic congestion peaks.

Billy Nolan, who was once the acting administrator of the FAA, opines that joint airspace usage is necessary, suggesting the need for design and procedural evaluations to preclude future incidents.

According to Nolan, reassessing the underlying structures and operational pathways might reveal potential improvements to prevent similar situations in the future.