NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 9, 2026 — A Tennessee aviation attorney is calling for upgrades to military helicopter avionics and stronger equipment inspections following a U.S. Army report identifying multiple failures surrounding the January midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Washington, D.C.
The January 29 collision over the Potomac River killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, making it the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years. The Army released its findings on October 8, outlining problems involving air traffic control communications, helicopter equipment and the pilots’ ability to see the approaching airliner.
“The findings raise serious questions about why aircraft were operating with equipment problems that could compromise flight safety,” said Keith Williams, a Tennessee aviation attorney with Keith Williams Law Group. “When communication systems, aircraft-position technology and other critical equipment are not functioning properly, the consequences can be catastrophic. We need to know why these problems were not corrected and what steps are being taken to prevent another tragedy.”
The Army’s report largely reinforced findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), identifying failures involving both air traffic control and the military helicopter.
Among the issues cited in the report:
● Air traffic control failures: The controller at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport did not provide the helicopter crew with sufficiently specific information about the incoming passenger jet and failed to alert the airliner’s pilots to the helicopter’s presence in the area.
● Communication problems: Two radio transmissions failed, according to the Army’s findings, raising additional concerns about the exchange of critical information between the aircraft and air traffic control.
● Restricted visibility: The helicopter crew’s night-vision goggles limited their ability to see the airliner’s lights against the illumination of the surrounding city.
● Aircraft altitude discrepancies: The helicopter was flying approximately 100 feet above the altitude indicated by its altimeter, the report said.
● Problems with aircraft-position technology: The helicopter’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) system, which transmits an aircraft’s position to compatible systems, had not been functioning properly for a period of time.
Williams said the findings underscore the need to examine whether military aircraft have adequate, properly maintained technology to operate safely in crowded civilian airspace.
“Modern avionics and reliable communication systems are essential to helping pilots and air traffic controllers identify potential conflicts before they become emergencies,” Williams said. “The public deserves answers about why these equipment problems persisted, whether inspections and maintenance procedures were adequate, and what changes will be made to reduce the risk of another collision.”
Williams also said air traffic control error continues to play a role due to staffing issues. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, it hired a record 2,235 new trainees and has staffed 11,027 certified controllers — its highest number in 10 years. However, the agency is short of its new target of hiring 12,563 certified controllers.
“These air traffic controllers are under stress every day trying to keep track of everything in the sky,” Williams said. “Between long hours, mounting pressure and burnout, they are more likely to make a mistake — and a fatal one at that.”
The Army’s report adds to the scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the crash and the safeguards intended to keep military helicopters and commercial passenger aircraft separated in one of the nation’s busiest airspaces.
For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.


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About Keith Williams Law Group
Keith Williams Law Group was founded by Keith Williams, who is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. He is also a thought leader, having been regularly interviewed by outlets on aviation crashes. Mr. Williams has represented numerous clients in aviation accidents and obtained millions of dollars in judgments and settlements on their behalf. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.