**Breaking News: NTSB Unveils Alarming Findings on DCA Mid-Air Collision!**

In a shocking revelation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report detailing the catastrophic mid-air collision between an Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and a CRJ-700 regional jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This incident, which occurred on January 29, 2023, has raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols in one of the nation’s busiest airspaces.

The 20-page report uncovers critical details about the flight crews involved. The CRJ-700, operated by PSA Airlines, had 60 passengers on board, while the Blackhawk was conducting a standardization evaluation flight with a crew of three. Alarmingly, the report highlights discrepancies in altitude awareness and communication breakdowns that contributed to the collision, which occurred just moments after the helicopter requested visual separation from the CRJ.

Witnesses reported the Blackhawk was operating at an altitude of 278 feet, while the CRJ was at 313 feet, just seconds before impact. The NTSB noted that both aircraft had their lights on, but the helicopter’s dark silhouette against the night sky proved difficult to detect. Tensions peaked as the CRJ crew received automated traffic alerts, yet failed to maintain adequate visual awareness of the Blackhawk.

This incident is not an isolated case. The NTSB’s report indicates a troubling trend of near misses between helicopters and commercial aircraft near DCA, with at least one resolution advisory triggered per month over the past 12 years. The NTSB has recommended immediate changes to air traffic protocols, including prohibiting helicopter operations in critical areas during peak arrival times.

As the aviation community grapples with these findings, the urgency for reform has never been clearer. The NTSB’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our skies. Further investigations are expected, but one thing is certain: the lessons learned from this tragedy must lead to immediate action to prevent future disasters. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.