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Rep. Suhas Subramanyam opens investigation into DC plane crash
The Jan. 29 collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) claimed sixty-seven lives, raising concerns about airspace safety.
Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam / Image- Wikipedia
Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has opened an investigation into the U.S. military’s use of airspace in the National Capital Region following the deadly crash of American Airlines Flight 5342.
The Jan. 29 collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) claimed sixty-seven lives, raising concerns about airspace safety.
Subramanyam, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, along with Congressman William Timmons, the sub committee's chairman, requested a briefing from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to examine the military’s role in managing D.C.’s restricted airspace.
Also Read: Two Indian-origin people among victims of DC plane crash
In a formal request to DoD Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers pressed for answers on how such a catastrophic failure occurred and what safeguards are in place to prevent future tragedies. They emphasized the complexity of operations around DCA and the need for accountability.
“Washington, D.C.’s airspace is among the most complex and heavily regulated in the nation. DCA operates within the tightly controlled Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), making it one of the busiest and most sensitive airspaces in the country,” Subramanyam and Timmons wrote. “DoD plays a critical role in managing and securing this airspace, with military aircraft frequently conducting operations in and around the National Capital Region.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there have been thirty near mid-air collisions around DCA since 1987, with one-third involving military aircraft and seven linked to helicopters. Preliminary reports suggest a miscommunication between air traffic controllers and the UH-60 Black Hawk pilots may have contributed to the crash. The helicopter crew’s use of night vision goggles could have also played a role.
“As authorities continue to assess the circumstances of the incident, it will be critical to identify any contributing factors and ensure mitigation measures are implemented to enhance future airspace safety,” the lawmakers emphasized.
The lawmakers requested the DoD provide a member-level briefing by April 1, as part of the committee’s oversight efforts.
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