US Army report cites systemic failures in 2025 helicopter and jet collision that killed 67
AAL•A US Army investigative report found systemic failures behind the 2025 collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport, which killed 67 people. It cited two broken radio transmissions, equipment and training issues, and made dozens of safety recommendations.
1. Report details failures
The Army report, completed in May, said two broken radio transmissions meant the helicopter crew did not receive critical details from air traffic control. It also cited technical issues with the Black Hawk, insufficient semiannual flight hours among helicopter crews, and a lack of collision-avoidance systems on many battalion helicopters.
2. Safety gaps and response
The report said the helicopter was not transmitting ADS-B Out location data because of improper maintenance. The Army inspected all 3,600 of its helicopters by July 2025 after issuing an urgent safety message, and said it has strengthened training and surveillance checks, completed new safety inspections, and tested altitude awareness. The NTSB said the Army had made significant progress on its recommendations but still had more work to do.
3. Further recommendations
The report called for improved training around Washington and Baltimore commercial airports and reviews of Army helicopter operations near major cities in the United States, South Korea, Japan and Germany. It also criticized FAA air traffic control for non-standard terminology and incomplete traffic advisories.
