NTSB determines multiple factors led to DCA midair collision

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - The National Transportation Safety Board determined that a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 29, 2025 resulted from multiple failures across the Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic control systems and military operations.

The NTSB cited the FAA’s placement of a helicopter route too close to a runway approach path and its failure to regularly review helicopter routes or act on collision-prevention recommendations.

The board also found the air traffic system’s overreliance on visual separation created inherent vulnerabilities that did not account for the limitations of the see-and-avoid concept.

Their report stated contributing factors were the helicopter crew’s lack of effective visual separation awareness, tower controllers’ loss of situational awareness due to high workload conditions, and the absence of a risk assessment process to identify operational hazards. The board also found that the Army failed to ensure helicopter pilots understood how barometric altimeter errors could result in flying above maximum route altitudes.

The NTSB said the accident exposed critical gaps in federal regulatory oversight, real-time tower management and aircraft maintenance training.

Sheri and Tim Lilley, parents of the deceased PSA pilot made this statement in response to the board’s final report.

Today, the National Transportation Safety Board released its final report. Sheri and I are deeply grateful to the NTSB investigators and Chair Jennifer Homendy who treated every detail with professionalism and care, working tirelessly for more than a year to understand exactly what led to this tragedy. From the beginning, we have believed this was about more than a single moment. It was about a system that failed the people who depended on it. Aviation remains the safest form of travel because it is willing to confront uncomfortable truths and make changes when they are needed. We are thankful to Senators Cruz, Cantwell, Moran and Duckworth, Speaker Johnson and many of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as Vice President Vance, Secretary Duffy, FAA Administrator Bedford and other federal leaders for prioritizing aviation safety, including a commitment to strong implementation and oversight. While important progress has been made, there’s more work to be done. Our priority remains simple: turning the lessons of this accident into meaningful safety improvements, so no other family has to suffer such a preventable tragedy.

Tim and Sheri Lilley, family of First Officer Sam Lilley

For coverage on this story from the beginning, click here.