NTSB's Preliminary Findings on Washington Helicopter and Jet Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board will issue a preliminary report on the January 29 crash between a helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport. The FAA temporarily restricted helicopter flights near the airport, while ongoing reviews may lead to more permanent changes and route evaluations.

The National Transportation Safety Board is set to release its preliminary report on Tuesday concerning the deadly collision between a helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Washington's Reagan National Airport that claimed 67 lives on January 29. The Federal Aviation Administration responded by temporarily barring most helicopter operations in the area.

Current regulations allow presidential, medical, or emergency police helicopters to operate in the designated airspace. Airlines for America has requested the FAA to reduce helicopter traffic permanently, urging for a suspension of specific routes except for vital military or medical purposes to prevent further mishaps.

The crash involved a Black Hawk helicopter with three crew members and an airliner with 64 onboard, resulting in the fatal plunge into the Potomac River with no survivors. Authorities, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, advocate for limiting non-essential military flights in the area, highlighting the need to use ground transport instead.

(With inputs from agencies.)