(NewsNation) — The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing Thursday about the collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet that killed 67 people.
Witnesses will include National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy, acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and director of Army aviation Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman.
The collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 29 involved an American Airlines regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter.
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A preliminary report by the NTSB suggested there have been thousands of close calls with helicopters between 2021 and 2024. The investigation is still ongoing, with factors including technology, staffing and possible problems with the helicopter’s altimeter all being brought up as possible contributors to the crash.
The FAA has moved to permanently restrict helicopter traffic near runways in response.
Family members of some of the crash victims will also be present for the hearing and will receive a private briefing from the NTSB afterwards.
