Army pauses helicopter training flights around Pentagon after 2 disruptions to commercial flights last week
Share this @internewscast.com

The Army has paused all helicopter training flights around the Pentagon near Washington after disruptions to two commercial flights last Thursday.

An Army representative confirmed to Fox News on Monday that there’s a temporary halt in place while an investigation is conducted. This follows last week’s incident at Reagan National Airport (DCA), where two flights were redirected after a Pentagon tower instructed an Army helicopter on a training flight to orbit the Pentagon one more time before landing. 

Officials revealed that around 2:30 p.m. that day, air traffic control directed a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to execute “go-arounds” at DCA due to the approach of an Army Black Hawk helicopter to the Pentagon Army Heliport, as per statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The FAA said the Black Hawk was a priority air transport helicopter.

Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River

The FAA says it is working to update technology after the DCA crash that claimed 67 lives. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Thursday’s disruptions come less than one month after the FAA increased staffing and oversight for the DCA air traffic control team.

Earlier in March, the FAA declared that it would permanently limit “nonessential” helicopter activities around the airport and discontinue the mixing of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft traffic.

The agency also prohibited the simultaneous use of runways 15/33 and 4/22 when helicopters that are conducting urgent missions are operating near DCA.

It is unclear how the incident took place, given the new guidelines.

The airport’s main runway is the busiest runway in America, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Fox News’ Chad Pergram, Landon Mion, Grady Trimble and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
MLB news: Philadelphia Phillies invite young fan to meet Harrison Bader after dispute over home run baseball goes viral

Philadelphia Phillies Make Young Fan’s Day: Inviting Him to Meet Harrison Bader After Viral Home Run Ball Dispute

The Philadelphia Phillies offered a young fan the chance to meet Harrison…
Before the Philly Ball-Thief Karen, There Was the Famed Philly Phan Who Barfed on Policeman's Family

Before the “Philly Ball-Thief Karen,” There Was the Notorious Philly Fan Who Vomited on Officer’s Family

While Philadelphia might be recognized as the City of Brotherly Love, it’s…
South Austin, Chicago shooting today: Injured officer fatally shoots burglary suspect on North Waller Avenue, CPD says

Chicago’s South Austin Incident: Officer Injured in Shooting Kills Burglary Suspect on North Waller Avenue, According to CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) — An injured Chicago police officer fatally shot a burglary…
Arkansas man, 72, mauled by 70-pound bear, hospitalized with 'extensive' injuries

A 72-year-old Arkansas Man Hospitalized with Major Injuries after Being Attacked by a 70-Pound Bear

A 72-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital after being attacked by…
Randy Moss completes cancer treatment at Atrium Health

Randy Moss Finishes Cancer Therapy at Atrium Health

The Hall of Fame receiver announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024, which…
Thousands of Ohio students left without a school bus ride as private school transport expands

Expanding Private School Transportation Leaves Thousands of Ohio Students Without Bus Service

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A scramble is underway for some Ohio families…
Shark kills beachgoer in attack at Sydney beach, authorities say

Shark Attack Claims Life at Sydney Beach, Officials Report

A man in his 50s tragically lost his life after being attacked…
Powerball draws numbers for $1.8 billion jackpot, the 2nd largest in US history

Numbers Revealed for $1.8 Billion Powerball Jackpot, the Second Largest in U.S. History

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Saturday night marked the drawing of numbers…
Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann loses bid to toss DNA evidence at upcoming murder trial

Gilgo Beach Defendant Rex Heuermann’s Attempt to Exclude DNA Evidence at Murder Trial Denied

Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, failed in his attempt…
DC police release name of third suspect in Capitol Hill intern murder, offer $50K reward

DC police identify third suspect in Capitol Hill intern’s murder; $50K reward offered

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced a reward of $50,000 for…
'Career criminal' kills two women, injures child in Minneapolis carjacking rampage: prosecutors

“Repeat Offender’s Violent Carjacking in Minneapolis Leaves Two Women Dead and Child Injured, Say Prosecutors”

A habitual offender is facing federal charges in Minnesota after allegedly leading…
Chicago mayor calls Trump's federalization threats 'beneath the honor of our nation,' protests planned

Chicago’s Mayor Criticizes Trump’s Federalization Threats as Unworthy of Our Nation, Protests Anticipated

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday addressed President Donald Trump’s prospective plans…