Congressional Hearing Called for Washington Plane and Helicopter Collision

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EXCLUSIVE: In the wake of the tragic collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., lawmakers are calling for immediate action. Rep. Troy Nehls, the top Republican on the House Transportation Committee’s subcommittee on aviation, has urged for a congressional hearing to analyze the incident.

Call for Accountability and Action

Rep. Nehls, who represents Texas, emphasized the need for swift evaluations of the circumstances surrounding the crash, asserting the importance of maintaining the U.S. aviation industry’s reputation as the “gold standard.” In an interview with Fox News Digital, Nehls expressed his commitment to ensuring that the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are comprehensive and actionable.

“I just want to sit down with all of them and, when the NTSB does its report – make sure that it’s very accurate, it’s factual, and that they come up with some recommendations,” Nehls stated. “We don’t know yet if we need to change direction or change course based upon those recommendations.”

Praising Bipartisan Cooperation

Nehls praised the Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves, noting his extensive background as a pilot. The Texas congressman suggested that Graves convene meetings with all relevant parties involved in the investigation, highlighting the potential need for both closed-door sessions and public hearings.

Urgency in Investigation

Stressing the imperative of finding the cause of the crash, Nehls stated, “We have to find out the reason for the crash and then come up with recommendations to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” He expressed discontent with the notion that investigations may take excessive time, asserting, “I don’t want to hear, ‘It’s going to take 18 months.'”

Federal investigators share Nehls’ sense of urgency. The NTSB has announced plans to release a preliminary report within approximately 30 days, aligning with Nehls’ expectations.

“I think that would be fair,” Nehls commented. “But that shouldn’t stop Congress from looking into this and doing what we can to help. I think President Trump expects it, and he has a right to expect it from us, to make sure that we keep our aviation industry the standard for the world.”

Caution Against Speculation

While the call for a thorough investigation is clear, Nehls cautioned against hasty conclusions regarding blame. He urged for caution and patience as the NTSB conducts its investigation, stating, “I think that is irresponsible. I think you just need to give it time for the NTSB to investigate, you know, conduct a very thorough investigation.”

Public Reaction and Speculation

Despite calls for patience, speculation regarding the causes of the tragedy has proliferated. Some critics have pointed fingers at Congress for permitting an increase in new airline contracts at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This airport is significantly closer to the U.S. Capitol than the larger Washington-Dulles International Airport.

Moreover, critics, particularly from the right, have linked the incident to “diversity initiatives” implemented by prior Democratic administrations, suggesting that such policies have compromised aviation safety. Responding to these claims, Nehls stated, “I think it’s too early for all of that,” reiterating the lack of evidence supporting any pre-conceived conclusions.

Details of the Crash

On the day following the collision, a Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three service members, crashed into a passenger aircraft approaching Reagan National Airport from Wichita, Kansas. Eyewitnesses reported seeing both aircraft descend into the Potomac River, which lies between Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia.

Tragically, U.S. officials have confirmed that there are no survivors. Recovery efforts continue as authorities sift through the wreckage in search of additional information and closure for the affected families.

American Airlines Response

In the aftermath of the incident, American Airlines has acknowledged that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the flight at the time of the crash. The airline has encouraged families of those involved to reach out for information through dedicated contact numbers available on its website.

Conclusion: A Call for Thorough Investigation

As investigations unfold, Rep. Troy Nehls and other lawmakers continue to advocate for a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to this tragedy. The push for a congressional hearing reflects a dedication to ensuring accountability and enhancing the safety measures surrounding aviation in the United States.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the House Transportation Committee for additional comments on the ongoing investigation and the planned congressional hearings.