The Daily What We Know About the Plane Crash
205 snips
Jan 31, 2025 
Emily Steel, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, dives into the devastating plane crash over Washington that claimed 67 lives, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster in two decades. She discusses alarming safety lapses, including chronic understaffing at air traffic control and outdated technology. Steel highlights systemic flaws within aviation safety, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and the dire implications of current practices. The conversation reflects on the broader challenges but also points to a critical moment for potential change.
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Mid-Air Collision
- An American Airlines jet collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington D.C.
- All 67 people on board both aircraft died, marking the worst aviation crash in the U.S. in decades.
Pilot Error
- Initial findings suggest both pilots didn't realize they were on a collision course.
- The helicopter pilot might have mistaken another plane for the American Airlines jet.
Air Traffic Control
- The air traffic controller alerted the helicopter pilot to traffic but wasn't proactive enough.
- They should have given more specific instructions to both aircraft to avoid collision.
