FAA report suggests air traffic controller managing dual roles contributed to midair collision at D.C. airport.

The FAA's preliminary report on the midair collision at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport reveals that an air traffic controller was handling two roles simultaneously, which is uncommon for the time and traffic volume. The controller managed both helicopter traffic and takeoff/landing instructions for planes, due to the tower being 85% staffed. This "doubling up" practice, though allowed, happened earlier than usual, raising concerns about staffing standards and contributing to the crash.

2 months ago
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