FAA Is Indefinitely Closing Helicopter Routes Near D.C. Airport After American Airlines Crash: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JULY 31: A Marine One chopper cruises the Potomac as a plane is on final to Reagan National Airport.Photo:Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty

Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty

In the aftermath of themidair collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopteron Wednesday, Jan. 29, the Federal Aviation Administration is indefinitely restricting helicopter flights in the vicinity of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

In an X post, CNN aviation and transportation correspondent Pete Muntean wrote, “The FAA tells me it has indefinitely SHUT DOWN the low-altitude helicopter corridor in use during Wednesday’s fatal midair collision.”

The FAA is closing access to parts of the two helicopter routes near the D.C. airport, Reuters reported, citing an agency official. Only police and medical choppers will be allowed between the airport and bridges in the area.

PEOPLE contacted the FAA on Friday for additional information.

The FAA said in a Wednesday statement that the plane, which originated from Wichita, Kan., was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport when the collision occurred around 9 p.m., local time.

In this U.S. Coast Guard handout, the Coast Guard investigates aircraft wreckage on the Potomac River on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.1st Class Brandon Giles/ U.S. Coast Guard via Getty

1st Class Brandon Giles/ U.S. Coast Guard via Getty

As of Friday morning,over 40 bodies have been recoveredfrom the water, according to theAssociated PressandNBC News.

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With an NTSB investigation ongoing, a preliminary report about the crash will be released in 30 days, NTSB member Todd Inman said during an appearance onGood Morning Americaon Friday.

However, he added that it will likely take “a year, if not more” for the agency to determine a final probable cause.

source: people.com