Chairman Moran Holds Hearing on FAA’s Progress in Implementing Safety Recommendations following DCA Crash

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) - chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation - today held a hearing with testimony from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford on the FAA's progress in implementing safety recommendations following the midair collision between Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025.

After conducting a year-long investigation into the midair collision that resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued 50 safety recommendations, two-thirds of which were directed at the FAA.

"The United States maintains the safest aviation system in the world, but that record relies on constant vigilance, accountability and a willingness to act before warning signs become tragedies," said Sen. Moran. "The NTSB's investigation following the DCA crash raised serious concerns regarding helicopter routes, airspace design, situational awareness and the FAA's ability to identify and respond to risks in one of the nation's most complex aviation environments."

"At the conclusion of its investigation, the board found that this accident was preventable," continued Sen. Moran. "The purpose of today's hearing is not to relitigate the accident. Instead, we are here to examine whether the FAA has responded with sufficient urgency to the systemic safety concerns identified by the NTSB and whether additional reforms are needed."

Click here to watch Sen. Moran's full opening remarks

# # #