USHST All-Hands Meeting Featuring NTSB Briefing on the KDCA Midair Collision Investigation

The US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) invites all VERTICON attendees to join this open forum to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce helicopter accidents involving loss of control, unintentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions, low-altitude flight operations, and other common causes. The team will unveil recent successes and project outputs linked to several helicopter safety enhancements.

This extended session will feature a special briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), including Member Michael Graham and members of the investigative team, regarding the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision between a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 operating near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). The team will summarize the investigation’s findings and recommended actions that apply directly to the vertical aviation industry, with discussion focused on how industry and government stakeholders can work together to address the systemic issues identified and strengthen risk mitigation across the operational environment.

Time will be allocated for attendee questions, providing an opportunity for direct engagement and dialogue about the findings and their implications for our community.

This important session reinforces the USHST’s unwavering commitment, working in partnership with industry and government stakeholders, to apply lessons learned, strengthen safety culture, and take meaningful action to prevent the next accident.