As I initially stated,
THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE was the CONTROLLER.
I will add the modifier ... THE CONTROLLER operating by INSANE FAA FLIGHT REGULATIONS for that area.
Summary of Reports released Mar 11, 2025
http://www.theepochtimes.com/us/6-takeaways-from-the-ntsbs-reports-on-deadly-midair-collision-near-washington-5824556?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=part-ner&src_cmp=BonginoReport
The release follows a March 11 news conference at which NTSB officials said FAA rules allowed for an “intolerable risk to aviation safety” near that airport, leading to the increased threat of midair collisions after permitting planes and helicopters to fly too close to one another.
So, the NUMBER ONE FAULT for the accident lies with the person known as PETE BUTTPLUG.
...“We’ve determined that the existing separation distances between helicopter traffic operating on Route 4 and aircraft landing on Runway 33 are insufficient and pose an intolerable risk to aviation safety,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said during the news conference on March 11.
The report goes on to say that the chopper was at 'approximately 300 feet' (other reports peg it at 275 feet) which at a normal descent rate of 3,000 feet per minute (50 feet per second) yields only a 2 second, TWO SECOND difference in separation. TOO DAMN CLOSE, INSANELY CLOSE for a vehicle traveling at over 200 MPH, and second at over 150 MPH approaching an intersection.
The full report summary (above) is WELL WORTH READING.
I do object to one characterization though; the 'chopper ran into the airliner' - I view it quite the opposite - the airliner ran into the chopper. The airliner was traveling MUCH faster, and DESCENDED directly into the chopper. The airliner was the one 'changing position the fastest' so it is the one that 'ran into' the other.
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