Chronology of the Washington DC Air Mishap: The Near-Collision between American Airlines and a Helicopter

In a recent incident, an American Airlines passenger plane and a helicopter narrowly avoided a mid-air collision over the skies of Washington DC. This article offers a detailed account of how the event unfolded.

On January 20, 2025, the American Airlines Airbus A320 was set to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. At the same time, a helicopter, operated by the Metropolitan Police Department, was also in the vicinity. Both aircraft were under the guidance of the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control.

The Airbus, operating as Flight 2230, was being guided by a series of radio commands sent by the air traffic control. The helicopter, on the other hand, was following a visual flight rule, which allows the pilot to navigate by watching the ground and the sky.

While the American Airlines flight was descending, the air traffic controller noticed the proximity of the two aircraft on his radar screen. He immediately alerted the Airbus pilot about the helicopter’s position. The pilot confirmed the sighting and took immediate evasive action to avoid a collision. The two aircraft eventually passed each other with a vertical separation of 400 feet - less than the required minimum of 500 feet.

After landing, the American Airlines crew reported the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA confirmed the occurrence and stated that they are investigating the incident. No injuries were reported in the course of the event. The Metropolitan Police Department, which operates the helicopter, was not immediately available for comment.

The near-collision has raised concerns over air safety protocols in the nation's capital. It has further emphasized the need for constant vigilance and effective communication between pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of all air travelers.