Max provides updates on the midair collision over the Potomac River between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional jet, followed by an analysis of the fatal crash of a Learjet 55 in Philadelphia.

Potomac River Midair Collision Update
Flight data suggests the airliner climbed 50 feet at the last moment, possibly upon spotting the helicopter. Reports indicate the helicopter deviated approximately 250 feet from its assigned path and was flying 125 feet higher than permitted.
A preliminary FAA safety report reveals that only one controller was handling both helicopter and airplane traffic at the time, a situation that normally requires two controllers until 9:30 PM. However, while this reduced staffing is noted, there is currently no indication that it played a direct role in the accident.
The episode also discusses leaked footage of the crash, which led to the arrest of two Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority employees. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report soon, followed by a final report that will likely be extensive, given the complexity of the case.
Rather than focusing on individual blame, the discussion emphasizes the need for systemic safety improvements. If a Safety Management System (SMS) had been in place, a hazard assessment might have identified the risks associated with helicopters flying so close to aircraft landing on Runway 33. The episode highlights how normal altitude deviations in flight could pose significant risks in such constrained airspace.
The segment concludes with an anecdote about midair collision avoidance from the host’s flight instructor, underscoring the importance of situational awareness.
Philadelphia Learjet 55 Crash
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft appeared to experience a loss of power, likely in the left engine. Flight data shows that after an initial climb at 3,000 feet per minute, the climb rate suddenly dropped to 1,300 feet fpm, suggesting power loss. The aircraft began banking left instead of making the expected right turn. Within seconds, the jet entered a steep descent, reaching an 18,000 feet-per-minute descent rate before crashing. The crash resulted in six onboard fatalities, plus one fatality and 22 injuries on the ground.
The host analyzes several contributing factors, including the challenges of recognizing and reacting to an engine failure at night in IMC. Unlike in daylight conditions, where pilots can visually detect yaw from an engine failure, IMC conditions require instrument reliance, which can delay response time. The Learjet’s older avionics, possibly with round gauges instead of a modern glass cockpit, may have further complicated the pilots’ situational awareness.
The aircraft was climbing normally until the climb rate sharply decreased, suggesting a power reduction rather than an aerodynamic stall. When an engine fails in a twin-engine jet, immediate rudder input is required to maintain control. If the pilots did not apply the correct rudder or mistook the engine that failed, they could have lost control.
The lack of a flight data recorder on the aircraft limits available information, but investigators hope to retrieve data from the jet’s ground proximity warning system. The cockpit voice recorder, found buried in an eight-foot crater, may provide further insight into the crew’s final moments.
The host underscores the importance of recurrent training for engine-out scenarios, particularly in multi-engine aircraft. Pilots flying twins should frequently practice engine failure procedures, as responding correctly in a high-stress situation is crucial.
Key Takeaways
The episode ends with a reminder that pilots can reduce risk by maintaining proficiency in emergency procedures, enhancing situational awareness, and considering the broader safety framework that governs their operations.
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