Day Before DC Crash, There Was a Near Miss at Reagan National Airport with Eerily Similar Details

Following a tragic collision near Reagan National Airport between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities, investigators are now scrutinizing another close call at the same airport.

American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700, was completing its final approach from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter engaged in a training exercise.

This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in two decades.

Investigators are particularly focused on whether air traffic controllers had properly instructed the aircraft to maintain a safe separation. Reuters noted that one controller was managing both passenger planes and helicopters at Reagan National on the night of the crash, a setup described by an official as “not normal” but acceptable given the reduced nighttime traffic volume.

However, this points to an ongoing concern. As Reuters reported, “A shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States in recent years has spurred safety concerns. At several facilities, controllers work mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration has about 3,000 fewer controllers than it says it needs.”

Further adding to concerns, The Washington Post revealed that a similar near-miss occurred just one day before the fatal crash. According to their report, “a different regional jet coming in for a landing at the airport alerted the air traffic control tower that it had to make a second approach. The cockpit crew quickly reported the reason to the tower: A helicopter had appeared near the flight path.”

That aircraft, Republic Airways Flight 4514, eventually landed without incident.

CNN reported that live air traffic audio suggested the issues began when the plane descended past 1,600 feet while approaching runway 19.

“There’s a helicopter over Georgetown northbound 300 feet,” the controller advised the incoming pilot.

In response, the Embraer ERJ 175 executed a right turn and began ascending, citing an alert from its Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

“We had an RA, Brickyard 4514 is going around,” the pilot stated. (“Brickyard” serves as Republic Airways’ radio call sign.)

“We had an RA with the helicopter traffic below us,” he added.

It remains uncertain whether air traffic control played a role in the fatal Wednesday incident or if the American Airlines jet received a TCAS warning before impact. However, given the ATC communications recordings and the Republic Airways aborted approach, these aspects will likely receive heightened scrutiny.

Moments before the collision, the controller issued an instruction: “PAT 25, pass behind the CRJ.”

This directive indicated that the Black Hawk helicopter—identified as “PAT 25”—was supposed to maneuver behind the American Airlines jet’s flight path as it landed on one of Reagan National’s shorter runways.

Seconds later, the aircraft collided and plunged into the Potomac River.

“Yep, we saw it. Everybody just hold your positions please on the field right now,” the controller announced. He then began rerouting flights to nearby airports, including Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International.

According to The Post, 28 bodies had been recovered from the river by Thursday morning. Authorities believe there were no survivors from either aircraft.

Investigators have retrieved flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the American jet, which could reveal whether a TCAS warning was issued before impact and what evasive actions, if any, were taken by the crew.