WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 29, 2025) – Family members of those killed in the Washington, D.C. plane crash have made their way to Capitol Hill to advocate for safety reforms as the government shutdown is putting increased pressure on air traffic controllers.
This story begins on January 29, 2025. American Airlines Flight 5342 was heading to Washington, D.C., from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided mid-air with a UH‑60 Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River on its final approach to the DCA.
All 67 people that were aboard both aircraft tragically died in the collision. This includes 60 passengers and 7 crew members. The helicopter was conducting a training mission at the time of the crash.
Several factors appear to have contributed to the collision, including the fact that the helicopter was operating above the maximum air clearance for that route. It lacked a piece of equipment that allowed it to be properly tracked.
There also appears to have been communication issues with the air traffic controller. Family members of the victims told lawmakers and the National Transportation Safety Board that aviation reform matters and that it should be a non-partisan issue.
A Vital Transportation System Under Great Strain
The tragic crash over the Potomac River did not take place in isolation. It occurred in an environment where air traffic controllers must contend with aging technology and chronic staff shortages. According to one report by Reuters, “Airlines for America, the Aerospace Industries Association, International Air Transport Association and others including major aviation unions urged Congress in a joint letter on Wednesday to take action, noting the Federal Aviation Administration faces serious technology needs and is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels.” This has contributed to many concerning safety incidents.
- Prior to the helicopter crash with the American Airlines jet over the Potomac, there were staffing anomalies at air traffic control for the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. In particular, one controller was performing the job duties normally assigned for two people.
- The Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport has had a total of six near-collisions that have been linked to chronic understaffing of their air traffic control towers.
- There was a near-collision incident at LaGuardia Airport on May 6, 2025. A departing plane nearly collided with a taxiing aircraft. An investigation later revealed that the incident was due to a miscommunication between controllers.
Working as an air traffic controller is already a very difficult and stressful job. The shortage of qualified workers puts additional stress on those that remain. They are expected to put in 10-hour days six days a week. These are the conditions that contribute to burnout and fatigue. It has been well established that fatigue can substantially increase the prevalence of critical errors. One report from the Centers for Disease Control estimated that drivers who remained awake for 17 hours were functionally impaired equal to someone who had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
Statistically, Air Travel Is Less Safe Under a Government Shutdown
In addition to the pre-existing safety concerns, the ongoing government shutdown is putting additional strain on air traffic controllers and jeopardizing safety in the process. As air traffic controllers are worried about how they are going to pay their bills during the shutdown, hundreds have turned to working at second jobs. Nick Daniels is the president of the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers. He told reporters at CNN, “Air traffic controllers are showing up to work, but we’re being put in a position that every day that this is less safe.” There are a variety of ways that the shutdown is making things even more difficult for air traffic controllers.
- Fatigue: The FAA’s own policies limit the number of hours that air traffic controllers can work. They recognize the impact that fatigue can have on safety. But these limits don’t matter if workers are forced to take on secondary positions to meet their financial needs.
- Reduced Morale: Working without pay and having to take on second jobs can lead to higher stress and burnout. This creates further strain on a profession that is already facing chronic shortages.
- Less Training: Training schedules are typically paused during government shutdowns. This leads to even fewer qualified workers and helps create more long-term shortages.
Systemic issues affecting air traffic controllers have existed long before the government shutdown. The shutdown is simply another form of downward pressure on a system already under great strain. Now is the time for lawmakers to come together and compromise on a bipartisan funding deal. The ongoing shutdown doesn’t just affect the air traffic controllers who are being asked to work 60 hours a week without pay. It affects all people who depend on safe air travel.
Getting Legal Help for Aviation Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to all of the family members of those killed in the Washington, D.C. plane crash. Lawmakers need to do their part and prioritize funding the FAA and the rest of the federal government. Allowing our skies to be overseen by overworked, unpaid, and burnt-out traffic controllers is laying the groundwork for another tragedy.
If you or someone that you care about been injured in a plane crash? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to support you in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help with your particular situation, we are here to support you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.