ATC Asks Two Delta Flights to Go-Around Due to a Military Helicopter Nearby

Federal Aviation Administration investigators are looking into two aborted landings at Reagan National Airport (DCA) on May 1. These go-arounds were issued by an air traffic controller who believed a military transport helicopter was too close for comfort.

The helicopter involved was a US Army Black Hawk on a training mission. It had been cleared to take another loop around the Pentagon before touching down, but doing so put it on a close course with two commercial jets landing at DCA.

Delta Air Lines Flight 1671, an Airbus A319, had been making its way into Washington, DC from Orlando ahead of Republic Airways Flight 5825, an Embraer 170 from Boston. 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. While a final NTSB report is still around a year out, regulators have already begun taking action to prevent future accidents.

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.

Continuing its trend of caution, the agency is now investigating both aborted landings and will likely keep a close watch on future events.

“Nothing is more important at Delta than the safety of our customers and people,” the airline stated. “We’ll cooperate with the FAA as they investigate."

FMI: www.faa.gov