NTSB Slams FAA Over Safety Failures After Deadly Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has labeled the Federal Aviation Administration's responses to 11 of 33 safety recommendations as unacceptable. These recommendations followed a January 29, 2025, mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. The disaster, which plunged the aircraft into the Potomac River and killed 67 people, is the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2001.

The NTSB specifically criticized the FAA for failing to mandate ADS-B In technology, a system that allows pilots to see the precise location of other aircraft and could have alerted pilots nearly a minute before the crash. While the FAA has restricted helicopter traffic near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and issued a separation directive, it has not committed to writing rules for the ADS-B In mandate. FAA Administrator Brian Bedford testified that the agency prefers direction from lawmakers regarding the implementation.

On September 16, 2026, victims' families gathered at the U.S. Capitol to demand legislative action. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy joined the families in urging Congress to address systemic FAA failures. Legislative progress has stalled due to competing House and Senate proposals, as well as opposition from the military and airline operators citing costs. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell expressed hope that a compromise bill could pass during the post-election lame-duck session.