Federal transportation safety officials are investigating an incident in which two commercial flights had to abort landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport because an Army Black Hawk helicopter entered restricted airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the helicopter was headed to the Pentagon. The incident triggered outrage from officials like Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who emphasized the need for strict compliance with established airspace regulations to prevent risks to civilian aircraft, particularly following a recent fatal collision involving military aircraft. Lawmakers are echoing calls for enhanced safety legislation.
Air traffic controllers instructed Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 and Republic Airways Flight 5825 to abort their landings around 2:30 p.m. Thursday because of the helicopter's presence.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a social media post, using the airport's code, that the helicopter restrictions around D.C. are crystal clear.
Senator Ted Cruz highlighted that military flights near the airport pose continuing risks, urging for legislation to improve civilian air safety.
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