Aviation Expert ‘Wasn’t Shocked’ by D.C. Plane Crash After ‘Too Many Close Calls’ at Airports (Exclusive)

Aviation Expert Predicts Mid-Air Collision Following Series of Close Calls

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, aviation expert Professor Anthony Brickhouse from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University shared insights into the unsettling conditions within the airport environment that led up to the tragic American Airlines mid-air collision in January 2025. Brickhouse, with over 28 years of experience in safety and accident investigation, expressed his lack of surprise at the incident, citing a trend of near-misses and close calls in recent years as warning signs of an impending disaster.

The collision involved a passenger jet and a Black Hawk Army Helicopter, resulting in the loss of three soldiers aboard the helicopter and all 60 passengers and four crew members on the commercial flight. The fatal crash occurred during the plane’s descent into Washington, D.C.’s Reagan International Airport, where it collided with the helicopter before plummeting into the Potomac River, engulfed in flames.

Brickhouse highlighted the concerning frequency of close calls at U.S. airports in the years leading up to the American Airlines crash, referencing incidents such as the Southwest jet’s near-collision with a private jet in Chicago Midway. Pilots had previously warned of the rise in near-collisions, attributing them to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and inadequate warning systems at airports. The alarming trend had reportedly impacted most airports and major airlines across the country.

Although acknowledging the recent spate of aviation incidents, Brickhouse emphasised that flying remains the safest mode of travel statistically. He urged travellers to exercise caution and attentiveness, particularly by following instructions from flight attendants, as demonstrated in the successful emergency landing of Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 in Toronto. This incident underscored the critical role of adhering to safety protocols in ensuring passenger survival during crises.

President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Sara Nelson, echoed Brickhouse’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of seatbelts in mitigating fatalities during aviation accidents. Both experts stressed the need for continuous learning and improvement within the aviation industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Following an accident, thorough investigation and implementing necessary changes are vital steps towards enhancing aviation safety standards.

In reflection on the American Airlines collision, renowned pilot Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger highlighted the industry’s collective responsibility to learn from incidents and prioritise safety measures. Drawing on his experience with the “Miracle on the Hudson” flight, Sullenberger underscored the significance of evolving from reactive responses to proactive prevention in aviation safety practices.

As the aviation industry navigates challenges posed by near-misses and accidents, the collective call for vigilance, preparedness, and adherence to safety protocols resonates as a cornerstone in averting potential disasters. The collaborative efforts of experts, aviation personnel, and travellers alike play a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety and resilience within the aviation sector, ensuring that lessons learnt from past incidents are utilised to bolster safety measures for future air travel.