Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers at Washington Airport on Crash Day

On the day of the crash involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter at Washington Airport, there was a shortage of air traffic controllers, and the Black Hawk helicopter ascended beyond the permitted altitude, reports NewsBox.

The New York Times, referring to a preliminary report from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), indicates that on the day of the aviation accident in Washington, the airport was operating with insufficient staffing of air traffic controllers. According to sources, one specialist was handling duties typically assigned to at least two people.

Furthermore, an investigation revealed that before the collision with the passenger plane, the military Black Hawk helicopter was flying above its prescribed altitude. This infraction might have been the cause of the tragedy.

Currently, FAA experts are continuing to analyze the circumstances of the crash to identify potential errors in flight coordination and air traffic control operations.