Pilots Warned of Dangerous Increase in Near Misses at U.S. Airports Before American Airlines Crash

Pilots Warned of Spike in Near Misses at U.S. Airports Leading Up to American Airlines Crash

In a shocking revelation just hours before the tragic American Airlines crash in Washington, D.C., it has emerged that pilots had been cautioned about a significant increase in near misses at U.S. airports. The incident occurred when a CRJ700 passenger jet, operating as a regional American Airlines flight, collided with a Black Hawk Army helicopter during the jet’s landing at Reagan International Airport on the night of Jan. 29. Authorities have reported no survivors among the 60 passengers and four crew members on the American flight, as well as the three soldiers on the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have commenced investigations to determine the factors contributing to the crash.

The New York Times conducted an investigation in August 2023, highlighting a troubling surge in near-collisions, many of which went unreported, at U.S. airports. The report exposed a lack of warning systems at airports and a shortage of air traffic controllers as major factors behind the increasing frequency of these close calls, occurring multiple times a week across the country. By analysing confidential safety reports filed by pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals, the Times revealed approximately 300 reports of close encounters in the most recent 12-month period with available data. The gravity of the situation was underscored by a pilot’s comment to NASA, expressing concern about the potential consequences if corrective action isn’t taken promptly.

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, renowned for his heroic landing of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, highlighted the crucial need for learning from incidents to prevent future accidents. Sullenberger’s remarks echoed concerns raised by many in the aviation industry regarding the safety implications of near misses. The American public, still reeling from the recent crash, is seeking answers and reassurance about the measures being taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

Despite the continuous efforts to enhance aviation safety protocols, reports of near misses have persisted in recent years. Incidents such as a Delta plane narrowly avoiding a collision with an American Airlines aircraft in January 2023 and a Southwest Airlines flight’s close call with a FedEx plane in February 2023 serve as stark reminders of the risks faced by air travellers. The challenges faced by overworked air traffic controllers in under-resourced facilities have been a prevailing issue, with staffing shortages and fatigue contributing to the heightened risks in airspace management.

The FAA’s limited efforts to address the staffing inadequacies in critical air traffic control centres have been a subject of scrutiny, with concerns raised by aviation experts and industry insiders alike. The historical context of the air traffic control system’s struggles, dating back to significant staff reductions in the 1980s, sheds light on the systemic challenges that have yet to be adequately resolved. These structural deficiencies have implications for the safety of airline passengers and underline the urgency of re-evaluating and bolstering air traffic control systems nationwide.

As the investigation into the American Airlines crash unfolds, President Donald Trump has pledged a thorough review to uncover the causes behind the tragic incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The appointment of an acting commissioner to lead the FAA’s investigation signals a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that may have played a role in the crash. The focus now turns to implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of air travel, safeguarding passengers and crew members from the risks highlighted by recent events.

In conclusion, the recent American Airlines crash in Washington, D.C., serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks in aviation. The revelations of increased near misses and safety lapses at U.S. airports underscore the importance of addressing systemic challenges and fortifying safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. The aviation industry, regulatory authorities, and policymakers must collaborate to enact substantive changes that prioritise passenger safety and uphold the highest standards of air travel security.