Episode 44: "Collision Course over the Capital"

In this episode of Miles to Go, I’m joined by veteran airline captain and aviation analyst Les Abend to examine the deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport in January 2025 that claimed 67 lives. We dissect the findings from the recent NTSB hearing, detailing how a Black Hawk helicopter flying with night vision goggles, a regional jet on a challenging approach, and an overwhelmed air traffic controller all played a role in the tragedy. We dig into why ADS‑B Out wasn’t active, despite being installed on the military helicopter, and how longstanding FAA warnings about that airspace were ignored. We also briefly discuss the ongoing investigation into Air India Flight 171—notably, the emerging consensus that both engines were intentionally shut down in flight, triggering a loss of control shortly after takeoff. This incident, while still under review, underscores how cockpit access and crew coordination remain critical vulnerabilities in modern aviation. https://milesobrien.substack.com/