U.S. Safety Investigators Are Reviewing Air Traffic Controller Staffing

The National Transportation Safety Board interviewed the air traffic controller who was on duty at the time of the deadly collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk near Reagan National Airport. 

NTSB board member J. Todd Inman said the interviews are ongoing. Multiple outlets have reported that an internal Federal Aviation Administration report found that staffing levels at Reagan National Airport at the time of the collision were “not normal.”

Inman didn’t say how many air traffic controllers were working at the time. 

“We'll go back and look at their past 72 hours,” he said. “Even two or three weeks, we'll look at their training, their hiring, everything.”

He added that the FAA has had a “very robust plan” to address staffing. 

The agency had recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder of the American jet — a Bombardier CRJ700 — Thursday evening.

FAA Moves to Restrict Helicopter Traffic Over DCA

The FAA is also restricting helicopter traffic over the Potomac River and Reagan National following the fatal plane crash in the area. 

“Today’s decision will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. 

American CEO Robert Isom praised the decision. 

“In the days ahead, we will work tirelessly with the Administration and leaders in Congress to make our aviation system even safer, including by increasing investments in infrastructure, technology and personnel,” Isom said. 

Sixty-seven people are presumed to have died from the plane crash. 

Only lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense and presidential transport helicopter missions are exempt from the restriction.