Preliminary report on the DC plane crash. BREAKING: NTSB DCA Preliminary Update The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) presented its preliminary findings on the DCA accident to the Senate Commerce Committee. Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have revealed that the helicopter’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system—a critical safety feature for tracking and collision avoidance—was turned off during the flight. This deactivation has raised significant concerns, as the ADS-B system is designed to enhance situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers. The Black Hawk was conducting a routine night training mission as part of a “continuity of government” drill, aimed at preparing for the evacuation of senior U.S. officials in emergencies. The flight originated from Davison Army Airfield in Fairfax County, Virginia. The NTSB’s initial findings indicate that the collision likely occurred at an altitude of approximately 325 feet, despite Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations requiring helicopters in that corridor to maintain altitudes at or below 200 feet. Further complicating the situation, it was reported that a single air traffic controller was managing both the helicopter and the passenger jet at the time of the accident—a practice described as “not normal” for that time of day at Reagan National Airport. This staffing decision is under scrutiny, especially in light of existing shortages; as of September 2023, the airport’s control tower was operating nearly a third below its targeted staffing levels. In response to the tragedy, the FAA has imposed new restrictions on military helicopter operations in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining multiple factors. These include the deactivation of the helicopter’s safety system, air traffic control procedures, and the complexities of the airspace around the airport.