An air traffic controller left work early, just before a deadly collision occurred, claiming the lives of 67 people.
Investigators find staffing failures led to aviation disaster
An air traffic controller left work early just before a catastrophic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter. The crash, which occurred on January 29, resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including three soldiers.
The collision happened as the American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Air traffic controller left to handle both air traffic and helicopter coordination
Reports reveal that one air traffic controller was left alone to manage both plane and helicopter traffic. Normally, these duties are divided between two controllers from 10 am to 9:30 pm.
However, the supervisor allowed one controller to leave early, combining both tasks after the usual time. This decision is considered unusual, especially for such high-traffic hours.
According to the FAA, this staffing configuration was not typical for the time of day and the volume of traffic. Investigators are still uncertain why the controller was allowed to leave.
Army helicopter deviated from approved flight path
It has also emerged that the Army helicopter involved in the crash deviated from its approved route. The Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter was flying higher than the authorized altitude of 200 feet.
The pilot had been instructed to stay behind the American Airlines flight and to adhere to the pre-approved route. However, the helicopter pilot was reportedly a half-mile off course and at an altitude of over 300 feet.
FAA report reveals communication issues and mismanagement
The Army helicopter involved in the crash was off its approved route and flying above its permitted altitude.
As the American Airlines flight approached the runway, the pilot requested a change in landing runways. The controller directed the pilot to land on Runway 33 instead of the original Runway 1.
This change, although routine for regional jets, may have contributed to confusion and difficulty in keeping both aircrafts on separate paths.
Multiple air traffic controllers have criticized the lone controller for failing to properly direct the two aircrafts away from each other. The darkness that night also made it difficult for the pilots to gauge their distances.
Chronic understaffing in air traffic control towers
Reagan National Airport has faced chronic understaffing, with only 19 fully certified controllers as of September 2023—well below the target of 30. Staffing levels had improved slightly by January 2024.
Controllers often work extended hours, with some filling in for vacant positions. High turnover and budget cuts have been cited as contributing factors to the ongoing staffing shortages.
The tragic collision and recovery efforts
The crash occurred in a massive fireball that was visible on nearby dashcams. Both the plane and helicopter plunged into the Potomac River.
On January 30, officials confirmed that all 67 people on board both aircrafts perished. Rescue teams quickly turned to a recovery operation.
Later that night, investigators recovered two black boxes from the American Airlines plane. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder will provide vital information to authorities.
The identities of the crash victims have begun to be released. Among those killed were individuals from Russia, China, Germany, and the Philippines.
Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Samuel Lilley were in charge of the American Airlines flight, which was traveling from Wichita, Kansas to Washington D.C.