Flight Ban Follows Two ATC-Facilitated Go-Arounds for Commercial Flights

The US Army has grounded its helicopter operations into the Pentagon following a flight last week that triggered two go-arounds at Reagan National Airport (DCA). The suspension affects the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is responsible for emergency evacuations of political VIPs in the capital region.

The May 1 incident involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter that allegedly took a “scenic route” around the Pentagon, the FAA stated, before touching down. At the same time, a Delta Airlines Airbus A319 had been making its way into DCA ahead of a Republic Airways Embraer 170. The controller on duty noticed the proximity of the airliners to the Black Hawk and instructed both of them to perform go-arounds at around 2:30 pm.

These aborted landings follow just over three months after a tragic mid-air collision near DCA. An American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 had been on an approach to the airport when a US Army Black Hawk crashed into its side, killing 67 people and sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River.

As a result, the FAA has put several restrictions on helicopters flying around DCA. Only essential operations are permitted in the area, and ATC has been playing it safe when helicopters look to fly by.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wasted no time expressing outrage, calling the helicopter maneuver “unacceptable” on social media.

“Our helicopter restrictions around DCA are crystal clear. In addition to investigations from [NTSB] and [FAA], I’ll be talking to the [Department of Defense] to ask why the hell our rules were disregarded.”

Army officials defended the flight, saying it was conducted within FAA-published routes and under the direction of Pentagon air traffic control. Capt. Victoria Goldfedib said Reagan controllers reacted by rerouting commercial aircraft to “ensure the appropriate deconfliction of airspace.”

The incident prompted bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, including Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz, who claimed that “the Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk.”

FMI: www.army.mil