NTSB final report blames FAA deep systemic failures for DCA collision killing 67

The NTSB released its final report on January 27, 2026 on the January 29, 2025 midair collision of an American Airlines jet and US Army Black Hawk near Reagan National Airport, finding that deep FAA systemic failures were the probable cause. The FAA had placed Helicopter Route 4 too close to the Runway 33 approach path and had rejected a 2013 recommendation to reroute military helicopters after a near-miss. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the crash "100% preventable" and the board issued 40 recommendations directed primarily at the FAA.