US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there was a "consolidation of air traffic controllers an hour before it was supposed to happen".

Summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic control staffing was “not normal” during the Washington, DC, mid-air collision that killed 67 people.

A government report found Reagan National Airport’s tower was understaffed, with one controller handling both planes and helicopters.

Investigators are examining factors including airspace procedures and the Black Hawk helicopter’s low altitude.

The crash highlights chronic FAA staffing shortages, with over 90% of facilities below recommended levels.

  • @theherk
    3•6 hours ago

    That may be, but it still feels unrelated to the crash. PAT25 requested and received visual separation. The controller even doubled checked by asking if they had the CRJ. That is normal in the airspace from the control side, unless I’m missing something.