WASHINGTON — A recent collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has raised serious questions about safety practices surrounding military training flights. On the evening of January 29, 2025, the helicopter, operated by a “fairly experienced crew” using night-vision goggles, collided with the jet, resulting in both aircraft plunging tragicallyinto the Potomac River. Reports indicate there were no survivors from either aircraft.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday, during a press briefing, the involvement of three soldiers from the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, who were engaged in annual proficiency training. The unit is tasked with helicopter flights within the Washington, D.C., area and is commonly recognized for its operational involvement transporting high-ranking government officials.
“The Army unit involved was Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir,” said Hegseth. “It was carrying out its required annual night evaluation on the evening of the incident.” This evaluation is routine and all indications suggest the crew followed standard protocols leading up to the crash.
Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding the incident have led to scrutiny. Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Army secretary, testified at his confirmation hearing, stating, “From what we can tell today, it appears this accident might have been preventable.” Driscoll emphasized the need to reassess training protocols, particularly the appropriateness of conducting such exercises near busy airports like Reagan National.
Driscoll outlined potential risks of military training operations occurring within proximity of civilian air traffic, saying, “We might need to look at where is the appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.” His statements reflect growing concerns within military circles about the safety of operational flights and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety cultures.
While the investigation remains active, preliminary details indicate the helicopter was meant to operate below 200 feet; it is believed the crew may have deviated above this limit. A former Black Hawk pilot and military analyst, Brad Bowman, remarked on the precarious nature of the training exercise, noting, “a checkride creates unique dynamics — it could lead to added pressure on the less experienced pilot.”
Military protocols dictate regular pauses after incidents like this one. The Pentagon ordered the 12th Aviation Battalion to halt flights for 48 hours to allow for thorough examinations and assessments of operational readiness. Other helicopters, such as those from the National Guard, remain available to assist with recovery operations.
President Trump, during the same press conference, underscored the accountability expected from military pilot operations. He stated, “The people in the helicopter should have seen where they were going,” emphasizing perceived failures of situational awareness in the cockpit. Trump also critiqued air traffic control, indicating warnings about the helicopter’s position were delivered too late.
Investigators have yet to recover the aircraft's black boxes, which include cockpit voice and flight data recordings. These devices are instrumental for establishing precise timelines and actions taken by the pilots leading up to the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board has been designated to investigate, and officials indicate they expect the black boxes will yield valuable insights once retrieved.
Initial reports produced by military and civilian sources suggest the Black Hawk was possibly above the designated altitude for the area during transition over the Potomac, creating conflict with the approach path of the American Airlines flight. With 64 passengers onboard and three military personnel, there is heightened urgency to comprehend the chain of events leading to this disaster.
“If the helicopter was above the prescribed altitude, it could be attributed as the leading cause for the collision,” Bowman stated. This issue will be central to the inquiry as the Pentagon and safety authorities strive to bolster training protocols to avert similar tragedies.
Throughout the Washington region, military helicopters are commonplace, especially around major air traffic hubs. The recent incident not only raises questions about the integrity of current training practices but also spotlights the need for continuous improvement and adherence to safety guidelines within both military and civilian airspace management. Hegseth concluded his remarks asserting, “We anticipate the investigation will proceed swiftly to decipher whether the aircraft was operating correctly within the designated airspace at the time of this tragic incident.”