Summary of Tangle Podcast Episode: "PREVIEW - The Friday Edition: Making Sense of the Washington, D.C., Plane Crash"

Release Date: February 8, 2025
Host: Will K.

Introduction

In this gripping Friday edition of the Tangle Podcast, host Will K. delves deep into the tragic plane and helicopter crash that occurred over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., on January 29. Initially slated for coverage in the weekday newsletters, the gravity and complexity of the incident warranted a more comprehensive exploration, making it the focal point of this special episode.

Overview of the Crash

On the evening of January 29, an Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers collided mid-air with American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines. The jet, en route to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from Wichita, Kansas, was preparing to land when the two aircraft intersected, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals onboard—the deadliest U.S. air accident since September 11, 2001.

"The Crash was the deadliest air accident in the US since November 11, 2001," (02:03)

Expert Panel

To provide a comprehensive analysis, Will K. consulted four aviation experts:

1. Steve Scheibner (Captain Steve)

   • Background: Over 40 years of piloting experience, including service in the U.S. Navy and as an American Airlines Boeing 777 captain.

2. Elizabeth McCormick

   • Background: U.S. Army veteran and former Black Hawk helicopter pilot with extensive mission experience, including UN Peacekeeping and Top Secret military intelligence missions.

3. David Susi

   • Background: Former FAA safety inspector and accident investigator; author of "Why Planes Crash," "Safer Skies," and "Malaysia Airlines Flight 370." Currently a safety analyst for CNN.

4. Anonymous Pilot (ANP)

   • Background: Seasoned commercial pilot with over 40 years of experience, primarily flying in and out of Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Key Terms Defined

To ensure clarity, several aviation terms were defined:

• DCA: Designator for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
• FAA: Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. agency regulating civil aviation.
• NTSB: National Transportation Safety Board, responsible for investigating transportation accidents.
• ATC: Air Traffic Control, managing aircraft movement to prevent collisions and ensure smooth traffic flow.
• Blackhawk (UH60): A utility tactical transport helicopter used by the U.S. Army.
• TCAS: Traffic Collision Avoidance System, a safety feature aimed at preventing mid-air collisions.

Detailed Account of the Crash

Flight 5342 was on final approach to Runway 33 at DCA around 8:45 PM Eastern Time. The helicopter, a UH60 Blackhawk on a training flight, collided with the jet over the Potomac River. The airspace around DCA is notoriously congested, with overlapping commercial and military operations and strict restrictions due to its proximity to key government buildings.

Key Points:

• ATC Communication: Minutes before the crash, Air Traffic Control (ATC) alerted the Blackhawk to the presence of Flight 5342. The helicopter crew requested and was granted visual separation twice.

  "Do you have a visual on the CRJ?" (02:03)

• Potential Confusion: It remains unclear if the helicopter crew correctly identified Flight 5342 or mistook another aircraft, especially under the influence of night vision goggles which restrict the field of vision.

• Altitude Discrepancies: The Blackhawk was reportedly flying at approximately 300 feet, exceeding the approved altitude by 100 feet, while the jet was at 325 feet ±25 feet. Additionally, the helicopter deviated half a mile from its predetermined route.

• Flight Recorders: Both aircraft's flight recorders have been recovered, with the NTSB expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days.

Exploring the Causes

Will K. explores four primary factors that may have contributed to the crash: communication failures, ATC staffing issues, distractions within the helicopter, and airspace congestion.

1. Communication Failures

Elizabeth McCormick: Emphasized the need for clearer directives from ATC to ensure the helicopter identified the correct aircraft.

"I don't think they realized that the helicopter was looking at a different plane." (13:23)

Steve Scheibner: Highlighted the limitations of TCAS, especially at low altitudes, and the possible absence of advanced collision-avoidance systems on the Blackhawk.

"TCAS is inhibited below 1,000 feet because there's just not enough room to maneuver." (13:23)

2. ATC Staffing

Recent reports indicate widespread understaffing and burnout among air traffic controllers, with over 90% of facilities operating below recommended levels.

David Susi: Suggested that while ATC staffing was likely not the primary factor, it remains a critical concern for future safety.

"ATC staffing was unlikely to be ruled a primary factor in the crash, though it may have played a part." (18:45)

3. Distractions in the Helicopter

Internal distractions, possibly exacerbated by the use of night vision goggles, may have impaired the helicopter crew’s situational awareness.

Elizabeth McCormick: Discussed how the restricted field of vision from night vision goggles could have led to misidentifying the aircraft.

"Their field of vision would have been significantly restricted..." (13:23)

4. Airspace Congestion

DCA's highly congested airspace, combined with overlapping commercial and military traffic, increases the risk of such incidents.

Implications and Safety Reforms

The experts agree that addressing communication protocols, enhancing ATC staffing, and improving collision-avoidance technologies are essential to prevent future tragedies.

Steve Scheibner: Advocates for better-configured communication systems between military and commercial aircraft.

"The crash may prompt regulators to explore how to better configure communication systems for aircraft." (13:23)

David Susi: Stressed the importance of mitigating ATC burnout to ensure attentiveness and reliability.

"Staffing and burnout are important issues that need to be addressed to mitigate the risk of future accidents." (18:45)

Conclusion

The tragic collision over Washington, D.C., underscores the multifaceted challenges in aviation safety, particularly within congested and high-security airspaces. As investigators await the NTSB’s comprehensive report, the insights provided by aviation experts shed light on potential systemic failures and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "The crash was the deadliest air accident in the US since November 11, 2001." (02:03)
• "TCAS is inhibited below 1,000 feet because there's just not enough room to maneuver." (13:23)
• "Staffing and burnout are important issues that need to be addressed to mitigate the risk of future accidents." (18:45)

About Tangle Podcast

Tangle is an independent, non-partisan politics news podcast hosted by Will K., where listeners can engage with diverse political perspectives and gain insights from interviews with key figures in the political landscape. For more information and to subscribe to the newsletter, visit readtangle.com.