The January 29th mid-air collision involving American Airlines 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)., the first major U.S. commercial passenger crash in nearly 16 years, claimed 67 lives, including several Kansans. Among the victims were a Kansas couple from Kiowa and a daughter of another Kansas family. Lawmakers, families, and investigators are seeking answers to prevent future tragedies.

Today Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, delivered opening remarks at a hearing reviewing the NTSB’s preliminary report on the collision.

“Sixty-seven lives that were lost on January 29th were taken prematurely in an accident that by all indications should have been avoided,” said Sen. Moran. “NTSB’s preliminary report into the midair collision provides insights into the events of January 29th, but many questions still need to be answered, not only by the NTSB’s investigation, but by our nation’s aviation safety regulator and by the Army.”

The report highlights alarming safety risks at Reagan National Airport (DCA), where close calls between helicopters and commercial jets have been frequent. Between 2021 and 2024, over 15,000 such incidents were recorded, with some helicopters operating as little as 75 feet from incoming aircraft.

Congress is now pressing the FAA on why these risks were not addressed earlier. Lawmakers also seek clarity on the Black Hawk helicopter’s malfunctioning altitude data and the impact of night vision goggles. With air travel demand rising, the FAA faces pressure to modernize airspace management and improve public trust. Officials stress the need for a permanent FAA administrator to oversee reforms and prevent future aviation disasters.